On cold mornings when I start the mighty 855T, there's a god awful noise from the front of the engine that sounds like cavitation. Could be power steering or alternator based on approximate location.

Yesterday, I opened the hood prior to starting him. The belt was also making a squeak/chirp sound. I threw snow on the belt (old trick to "lubricate" the belt without residue) and silence ensued. Even the caviation sound (starts at just off-idle) was gone. As the belt dried, the squeak/chirp returned along with the caviation sound.

I'm open to alternator bearings and potentially PS pump bearings.

Is this striking any bells with anybody?

Cheers all (I spent a lovely 1 hour this afternoon replacing the rear pads on Mjollnir, the 900 SET that shares the driveway with the mighty 855T).

Paul N.