I have a 2003 Ford Taurus. 71,000 miles. Been making a chirping noise in the engine area for a few weeks now, but has gotten worse. Thought it may be the timing chain, but husband says the noise isn't coming from that area. Seems to be coming from right (drivers side) of motor. Husband also said he has found metal shavings in motor oil last time it was changed.

 

Are we sure it isn't the serp belt or something it turns?

 

If it is the 3.0L 2 valve it is probably the camchaft positioning syncronizer. These will give the noise you are describing. You can complete the process without the alignment tool. Just be sure to mark exactly where the sensor is pointing when you remove it. Then install it back to the same place. Here is excerpt from manual.

Camshaft Synchronizer — 3.0L (2V)

Special Tool(s) Synchronizer Alignment Gauge

Removal

CAUTION: The No. 1 cylinder must be set on top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke or the synchronizer assembly will not be installed correctly.

CAUTION: Do not turn the crankshaft or the camshaft during the removal and installation procedure or the fuel system timing will be out of time with the engine and possibly cause engine damage.

Rotate the crankshaft until the No. 1 cylinder is at TDC of the compression stroke and the TDC mark lines up with the timing mark.
Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Remove the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
Remove the camshaft synchronizer bolt.

NOTE: The oil pump driveshaft might not come out with the camshaft synchronizer. If so, retrieve the oil pump drive shaft before proceeding.

Remove the camshaft synchronizer.

Installation

CAUTION: After installation, do not loosen the synchronizer bolt and rotate the synchronizer assembly. The synchronizer assembly is not adjustable. Do not loosen the synchronizer bolt after the alignment tool has been removed in order to align the CMP electrical connector for any reason. If the electrical connector is not in the correct position, the synchronizer assembly must be removed, the alignment tool and the assembly reinstalled, if the engine has not been rotated from top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke on the No. 1 cylinder.

CAUTION: Do not turn the crankshaft or the camshaft during the removal and installation procedure or the fuel system timing will be out of time with the engine and possibly cause engine damage. A special tool must be used during the installation of the replacement synchronizer assembly. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, possibly causing engine damage.

Install the special tool on the camshaft synchronizer by rotating the tool until it engages the notch in the camshaft synchronizer housing and the armature.

CAUTION: It is very important to coat the gear on the camshaft synchronizer with clean engine oil prior to installation. Failure to do so could result in gear failure.

NOTE: During installation, the arrow on the special tool will rotate clockwise until oil pump intermediate shaft and camshaft gear engages.

Install the camshaft synchronizer housing assembly so the arrow on the special tool is 38 degrees from the centerline of the engine.

Install the camshaft synchronizer bolt.

Install the CMP sensor.