96 3.0L Serpentine belt squeal - please help me troubleshoot it

[4.0blue98]

If it is the tensioner, new Ford part runs about 30-35 bucks for new complete tensioner, and is only attached by one bolt.
Simple install. Have to remove belt and possibly radiator shroud, but easily done.
Grumpaw

I replaced my OE tensioner at about 100k with a Gates and that lasted about 6 weeks. Replaced the Gates with Motorcraft and it's still going strong at 182k. I have to admit though, the Gates came with a new bolt so I spent about 50 bucks on a friggin bolt...

BTW, definitely spin the other pulleys when it's off this time.

 

[98v70dad]

I ordered a new tensioner and idler pulley and put them on last night. I bought AC Delco parts because they were the best quality parts I could get that would fit my car. I wanted Motorcraft but I couldn't find them both at the same seller online. I couldn't find a Motorcraft idler pulley anywhere.

The AC Delco idler pulley is not quite the same.

ACDelco 38001

This part number comes up as a direct replacement at every website I checked though. There was no room to install the original dust shield in the front so I left it off. Every thing else matched up and it fits and works fine. I fired it up and all the squealing is gone - sounds great!

The original flanged bolt covers the bearing so I guess its OK but I'm wondering what you guys think ?????

 

[4.0blue98]

I think you'll be OK. Is the idler pulley diameter the same as the old one and smooth? The one you list looks to be a 90mm. I guess there are some 76mm out there too. These seem like the two common diameter pulleys for many applications but would require a different length belt for proper tension.

I use alot of ACDelco parts on an old Pontiac I currently have and they seem to be pretty good as a whole. I'd still prefer the Motorcraft for the tensioner (RockAuto).

 

[98v70dad]

I think you'll be OK. Is the idler pulley diameter the same as the old one and smooth? The one you list looks to be a 90mm. I guess there are some 76mm out there too. These seem like the two common diameter pulleys for many applications but would require a different length belt for proper tension.

I use alot of ACDelco parts on an old Pontiac I currently have and they seem to be pretty good as a whole. I'd still prefer the Motorcraft for the tensioner (RockAuto).

I bought the AC Delco tensioner because it would come faster. Seems like a decent part. Everybody had a 3 day delay on the Motorcraft tensioner including rockauto. The ranger is my daily driver and its been parked for over a week. I have another truck I can drive to work but it get horrible gas mileage and I drive 100 miles every day.

 

[RangerVet]

As stated above, use a long extension or long screwdriver and lister to each bearing/pulley as you hold one end to your ear and the other end to the bearing in question. You will need an assistant to start the truck since the noise goes away quickly. Watch out for the fan!
Watch this video that has some other good tips.

 

[91stranger]

I know it's just a band aid but I would always give the belt a dash of baby powder to get rid of the squeaking noise when I had coolant leaking onto the belt. Works like a charm and you can get a small bottle of baby powder for $1 and keep it in the truck. Still need to fix the issue though as it won't get better. This is just a quick tip to get rid of squeaks.

 

[1990RangerinSK]

I know it's just a band aid but I would always give the belt a dash of baby powder to get rid of the squeaking noise when I had coolant leaking onto the belt. Works like a charm and you can get a small bottle of baby powder for $1 and keep it in the truck. Still need to fix the issue though as it won't get better. This is just a quick tip to get rid of squeaks.

Uh, that stuff's inhumane. Since Olive Oil comes from Olives, I gather that baby powder would come from babies.

 

[Snoranger]

Uh, that stuff's inhumane. Since Olive Oil comes from Olives, I gather that baby powder would come from babies.

Can’t argue with that logic.

 

[91stranger]

It doesn't say what kind of babies so its safe to assume its just guppy babies or something like that. I think it does give you cancer if you use too much of it on your junk.

 

[8thTon]

You can get just the tensioner pulley from RockAuto. I replaced mine due to a slight squeak on cold start. The factory pulley had worn in such a way that the center was higher than the outer edges, causing the belt to wander back and forth across the surface. Also the original bearing was getting grunchy. I still have a very minor squeak at cold start, and I suspect it is the idler pulley.

 

[welltal89]

Resurrecting this post from last year: Just bought the AC Delco idler pulley and a Motorcraft Belt (Part number from Rockauto: JK6891)

The Dayco garbage that was on there didn't seat properly, so now I've got a chewed up belt and half of an idler pulley.

Hopefully all goes smoothly.