engine noise

[94frdrngr]

I have a 1994 ranger ext. cab. 4.0L and automatic tranny. It has 140,000 miles on it. The other day when I pulled into my driveway I heard a whining noise coming from the engine.It sounds like the power steering pump whine that I'm sure everyone has heard. Got out checked all of the fluids. they are good. checked for fluid leaks none. started the truck back up and listened close. the noise sounds like it is coming from the belt tensioner area. no where near the power steering pump. Any ideas to what this may be? I need to get this fixed this weekend. Thanks for the help.

 

[Big Jim M]

There should be a tensioner and an idler wheel also. Inside those two items is a skateboard bearing.. I kid you not! If you haven't replaced them both in 3 or 4 years it is time! The little whine is the first warning.
Big JIm

 

[Nhaz]

I pop the back off the bearing cover and grease them. works for about a year. takes 5 minutes.

 

[94frdrngr]

thanks a lot. I will check that out today. Thanks again.

 

[Big Jim M]

That's ok

I pop the back off the bearing cover and grease them. works for about a year. takes 5 minutes.

To do.. As long as there is no wobble in the thing.. If there is wobble they do need replaceing.
Long ago when the heater fan moter was accessable from under the hood.. when they started to squeal we would DRILL a small hole directly into the bearing location. Then we would flood that hole with 30W.. the squeal would go away sometimes for years.. But when it reoccured back under the hood we would go with our squirt can of 30W.
Big Jim

 

[289-tiger-]

Check the upper tensioner pulley (idler) to see if is a rimmed pulley for the belt.

Replaced mine about ten years ago with Ford OEM tensioner, a stamped cup type idler hub was provided and squeal gone, no lubrication since.

If the lower belt tensioner begins to point toward the passenger frame it is failing and will need to be replaced. (easy fix, 1 bolt)

Good luck

 

[94frdrngr]

replaced the belt tensioner and pulley , the idler pulley and the belt. the noise is gone . thanks for the help.