Help Identifying Drive Belt Tensioner

[Tecksun]

I have a 2001 Ranger with the 3.0L engine and even with my Chilton manual am having a hard time figuring out which pulley is the tensioner to remove the serpentine belt.

Based on this image, can someone please tell me which is the tensioner?

According to the manual, there should be a square hole that will take a 3/8" drive ratchet head and should turn clockwise to relieve tension. Is this correct?

 

[Big Jim M]

#2 on your drawing..
Big JIm

 

[Blu99XLT]

I have a '99 with the 3.0 and unless they are different, mine is #6. It takes a 14 or 15mm wrench or socket and you turn it clockwise to relieve the tension on the belt. Number 3 is the idler pully. You should have a diagram under the hood showing the belt routing. Good luck.

 

[Tecksun]

#2 on your drawing..

I have a '99 with the 3.0 and unless they are different, mine is #6.

So that's one vote for #2 and one for #6. Anyone else want to take a stab at it?

 

[Bigschwerm]

Mine is #6 also

 

[Big Jim M]

Well

Mine is #6 also

It should be easy for you to find which is hanging on a swing arm! The tensioner is spring loaded and can move a little back and forth while the engine is running. The spring on the arm keeps the tension on the belt.
The idle bearing is locked in place and doesn't move.
If one is being replaced, do them both! They both have roller skate bearings in them and the wear should be about the same on them.
Big JIm

 

[triumphrider-1]

1. alternator

2. idler pulley

3. a/c compressor

4. p/s pump

5. crank pulley

6. belt tensioner

7. water pump

Correct.

If one is being replaced, do them both! They both have roller skate bearings in them and the wear should be about the same on them.
Big JIm

I would recommend this as well.

 

[anchorshot]

It should be easy for you to find which is hanging on a swing arm! The tensioner is spring loaded and can move a little back and forth while the engine is running. The spring on the arm keeps the tension on the belt.
The idle bearing is locked in place and doesn't move.
If one is being replaced, do them both! They both have roller skate bearings in them and the wear should be about the same on them.
Big JIm

I had a squeal under the hood and thanks to Jim's input I changed both the idler and tensioner pullys. #2 and #6 respectivly. Fixed my issue.

 

[triumphrider-1]

How centered is the belt on the new pullies?