Camshaft position syncronizer squeaking, '98 3.8 Mustang - under hood

Camshaft syncronizer sqeaking on '98 3.8 V6 Ford Mustang. This is the noise the engine was making before changing out the camshaft syncronizer & sensor. I had a check engine code indicating the camshaft position sensor was faulty, also had a great mechanic who diagnosed the sound. Some folks might jump to blame pulley bearings, but you can do a quick test yourself by placing a metal rod on different places on the engine, with the other end pressed to you ear.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 1998
• Ford
• Mustang
• 3.8
• V6
• camshaft
• syncronizer
• sensor
• squeak
• chirp

[steelerfunk]

Do you need to replace the camshaft syncronizer to get rid of the sqeaking , or will replacing the sensor fix everything.

[jonathanstotts]

@steelerfunk The syncronizer assembly is what contains the bearings that go bad. The sensor simply sits on top with no moving parts.

[lowe442]

Hey man THANK YOU so much for posting. Your video is EXACTLY whats happening with my 02 v6 right now. However I cant figure out where the Camshaft Position Sensor is located?

[jonathanstotts]

@lowe442 @lowe442 It's under the coil pack (what the spark wires connect to). You'll have to remove it and the bracket it sits on, I believe. Google the sensor you're looking for to get an idea of what it looks like.

[robbie1674563]

why does it squeak when the bearings get bad?

[jonathanstotts]

@robbie1674563 I would guess it's metal-on-metal sound, either from lack of lubrication or deformed bearings

[charles81265]

NOTE: It is VERY important that the Synchronizer be phased properly when installed! Or engine damage will result! (from incorrect fuel timing)

[charles81265]

This is a VERY, VERY, common problem with the 3.0L, 3.8L, and (4.0L "X" code engine) any technician worth his weight in Snap-On tools will go right to it when he sees what engine package is in the vehicle! 28 Year Master, L-1 Technician

[charles81265]

@escamoter22 This called a CMP (camshaft position) Synchronizer assembly and is a very common failure!

[bmabbott1]

Thanks for this post... I thought my AC clutch was going out... but this was definitely it! Thank you!

[pburk23]

After replacing my CPS to get rid of the awful squeaking noise this morning, my 2001 mustang rattles very heavily at the 2100 RPM mark, and again at the 4K mark, regardless of what gear I'm in. Any idea what might be causing this? It wasn't doing it at all before I replaced the CPS.

[slowscort]

Thats what my 4.0 does in my ranger not that bad it only does it when it's cold and i have no engine light on so i'm not going to worry about it