Ford Rangers and the screeching cat under the hood

[FloridaRangerGuy]

Anybody out there have a suggestion for idler/tensioner pulleys and serp belts for the Rangers? What's the best manufacturer and which ones last longest? I'm getting tired of replacing pulleys and belts only to have the screeching cat back a year later, or sometimes even months.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

How tight are you getting the belt, are you sure it is not a component as in power steering pump, water pump, alternator wearing the belt out. Use a stethescope and listen to all the bearings when it is running. Take a long screwdriver and when it is running be careful of moving parts put the end of the screwdriver close to the bearings and put your ear on the handle. You can listen to injectors and valve lifters also. If the belt is too loose it is worse on sealed bearings than getting the belt too tight. Use a belt tension guage if need be. GL

 

[adsm08]

Dayco or Motorcraft.


But make sure you are getting everything that is causing noise.

 

[FloridaRangerGuy]

Thanks for the response guys. How do you tighten the belt? By adjusting the tensioner arm? I have used a stethascope and screwdriver to check all components and wasn't able to find anything wrong. Have replaced the alternator a few months back(for other reasons). I took a wire brush and roughed up the pulleys, cleaned them with brake cleaner and that seems to work for about two months. Will be replacing the pulleys and belt with Dayco's this weekend hopefully that will take care of the noise for a year or so at least. One positive with this issue is that the wife refuses to use my truck.

 

[Earl43P]

I've found that there are various quality levels of 6203* bearings available.

I went to NAPA and got their "best" 6203 bearing and that trial bearing is still installed on my old 2000 3.0 4wd truck with no squeeling.

I also have been known to periodically remove the pulleys, pry off the bearing's rubber dust seals, to clean and regrease the bearings.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned using the Goodyear Gatorback belt. It also helps considerably.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101246&highlight=6203*
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6973&highlight=6203*

 

[straycat]

I replaced the original idler/tensioner pulley and put the second serp belt on last year on my 99 Ranger. I bought my Ranger new in 99. The belt started to squeal the year before (2010) and I sprayed Belt Lube dressing on it. It lasted for a year and then last year it started to squeal again I went to my local Autozone and got the parts there and put them on. I could feel a bit of play in the tensioner so I knew it was time for one. The squeal stopped right away. Even when I drive in the poring down rain and hit those monster puddles I don't hear any squeal....so happy for that!! That squeal really gets on you nerves!!!!

 

[FloridaRangerGuy]

The sqeal eventually will affect me hearing since I have to crank the stereo to block it out. I'll check for play in my tensioner as well. I've also heard about the Gatorback belt, but have yet to try one.

 

[Earl43P]

The sqeal eventually will affect me hearing since I have to crank the stereo to block it out. I'll check for play in my tensioner as well. I've also heard about the Gatorback belt, but have yet to try one.

I think the Gatorback belt is worth the $$ (was about $32).

A new Tensioner runs about $64 and don't be surprised if it comes with a PLASTIC pulley.

I put the high quality 6203 bearing in my idler pulley since it was the chronic bad actor for me. I also used some 80 grit to put a cross-hatch pattern on the smooth surface of that pulley.

The thing to look for in the tensioner is smooth operation. Every one I've ever replaced was ratchety. Most of those, the ratchety action was visible while revving the engine. The worst one I've found was on a Merc Grand Marquis 4.6. That sucka was absolutely frozen in place, although I was able to break it loose and work it with some DeepCreep until we slapped the new one on a couple days later. I think the salt from those PA roads ate it up.

 

[Tuner710]

Tensioner pulley

Florida,
I had an unusual experience with that..changed belt, still screeching, checked bearings and pulleys, still screeching. Eventually got around to micing the shaft on the tensioner that the bearing fits on. Found it to be undersized and egg shaped from the inner race of the bearing spinning on the shaft, making the screeching noise. Replaced it with a new one, and quiet ever since!
Cant believe the original tensioner only lasted 134000 miles lol

 

[FloridaRangerGuy]

Earl, Thanks for the info. Think I'll throw a Gatorback on with the new Dayco pulleys and see how that works out.


Tuner, Very interesting find. My Ranger just hit 115,000 with the original tensioner, I'll be looking for this when I pull it, thanks.

 

[Hewgull]

I've found that there are various quality levels of 6203* bearings available. I went to NAPA and got their "best" 6203 bearing and that trial bearing is still installed on my old 2000 3.0 4wd truck with no squeeling.

On a side note all of NAPA's premium bearings are made by SKF.

 

[Ak907Girl]

I vote for Gator Belt. Mine didn't seem like it was gonna fit just right when I first put it on, but I made sure my tensioner didn't have a loose spring, replaced the spring and I only hear any type of squeeling when I start Lilly cold in -5 degrees.

 

[FloridaRangerGuy]

So I picked up a Gatorback belt and it seems to be a tiny bit shorter and I can't get in on. Won't fit under the idler pulley. What the hell?

 

[FloridaRangerGuy]

Nevermind. Traded it out for a longer one. The Ranger has been silenced.....for now.

 

[pjtoledo]

my 2000 3.0 squeels on the back side of the belt. seems to be when the markings on the belt go over the idler and tensioner, so I get a chirp-chirp instead of a constant squeel. the good news is: it's a hi pitched noise, so all the animals run as we approach.

Perry