98 ford 5.0 makes noise from distributor shift area .a sqeeking I thought it was a pully but with stethoscope how bad can this get

Asked by Michael Dec 24, 2014 at 11:26 PM about the 1998 Ford Explorer

Question type: General

1 Answer

101,515

That is most likely the camshaft position sensor/cam synchronizer. When it starts to go bad it can sound like a high-pitched squeak and will get progressively worse. The shaft is used to turn the oil pump. The official way to replace it is with a special tool that is only sold through a dealer, but there is a simpler way to replace it without the tool. Just Google "replace camshaft position sensor" for Ford engines. I did mine not long ago on a 4.6L Crown Vic. Hopefully in your case it's the cam position sensor making the noise, which is fairly easy to replace and not the cam synchronizer, which is the more complicated one to replace - both can make that squeaking noise. Check to see if you have any trouble codes too.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    30,840
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,790
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,280
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
346 Great Deals out of 13,355 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Expedition
21 Great Deals out of 654 listings starting at $5,650
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
115 Great Deals out of 3,535 listings starting at $4,950
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
12 Great Deals out of 841 listings starting at $698
Used Dodge Durango
54 Great Deals out of 1,902 listings starting at $6,987
Used Toyota 4Runner
25 Great Deals out of 528 listings starting at $7,990
Used GMC Yukon
19 Great Deals out of 953 listings starting at $5,998
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
198 Great Deals out of 8,239 listings starting at $6,995
Used Nissan Pathfinder
34 Great Deals out of 1,681 listings starting at $380

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.