Help my friends ranger! Squeeky sound, but not the belt

[dasfinc]

My friend has a 2001 ford ranger super cab 3.0, 2wd automatic.

seemingly at random it 'squeaks' almost like it has a spun bearing toward the rear of the motor, I purchased a little automotive stethoscope, and found that the squeak is coming from a sensor/housing on the rear, passenger side of the motor. I know on my 4.0, that would be the CPS Sensor and 'cam sync spindle'

So 3 questions:

A) Just to confirm, there is NOTHING else back there *Pass side fire wall corner of the motor flush with trans bellhousing* that could be squeaking, correct? Where is the VSS And spindle on these transmissions/motors?

B) How the hell/Why the hell did this fail? Anything that could/would cause this? They are fairly cheap IIRC on rockauto, and comes with the sync tool when replacing the spindle.

C) What happens if this fails on the 3.0? In my 4.0 explorer when We screwed with it, it caused a crazy high idle, and then a no-start condition.

Suggestions? Links on the walk-through on how to replace it for the 3.0's? Other input?

 

[99rangerstd3.0]

cam synchro? http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-32560.html

 

[99rangerstd3.0]

that message only showed the guy(s) had same problem you're saying. thsi one will better explain what and why, that is if it's really the cam synchro http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/camshaft_position_sensor.html

 

[dasfinc]

Bingo, that confirmed it. We ordered a new one from rock auto, just $40!

 

[fourwheelford]

what brand is it that you ordered? The dorman ones tend to fail early, better to go with oem.