good morning all!

I have recently had a new noise coming from the H2. Starting last week i have a squeel that is coming from the front end- most likely passenger side of the motor. Standing at the front and looking at the h2- it appears to be behind the grill and right of the headlight about 1/2 way up. Im thinking that i have a bad idler bearing as the belt appears to be ok. The sound will come and go but it has that awful howl sound. By isolating the sound to the passenger side would that seem to be an idler bearing or is there something else on that side that i should investigate? It squeels with/ without a/c on, wheels straight/ turned, and when in park/ drive. Its not 100%of the time but it is happening more often than not.

How hard is replacing idler bearing and is there anything i need to pay extra attention to if i replace it myself?
thanks for any and all assistance! If needed i can make a short video and attach.

Thanks LoJac963 and calif phil. Hopefully i can make some time this weekend to get under the hood for some diagnosis.

Thanks for the info about spinning other components. I didnt even think about doing that.

Idler/tensioner and a/c bearings were replaced as well as the serpentine belt. Its weird but i can “feel” a difference. No more squeel any more. Its nice! Thanks for the help LoJac963 and calif phil!

Yeah these old trucks are awesome but the ages make for a lot of maintenance! So far over the past 2 years i have replaced:
plugs and wires
air filter
fuel filter
pitman and idler
both front hubs
idler/tensioner, ac bearing and belt
brake disks, shoes and tires

on my list is driver and passenger mirrors (no fold and are loose horizontal), tranny and axle service, and need headliner fixed (sags). Not much but like any older vehicle- they need a loving touch.

I only drive mine on weekends. Its my grocery getter and dog hauler!
Im at 125k. Not bad for a 15 year old truck.
But you are right... normal wear and tear parts. Nothing out of the norm.