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Mystery squeak- Still not fixed


MSTWNTD

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2019
Messages
14
City
Virginia
Vehicle Year
2001
Transmission
Automatic
I've been chasing a squeak on my friend's 01 Ranger 3.0 2WD. We already replaced the belt, belt tensioner, idler pulley, and camshaft synchronizer (motorcraft). It chirps every time the ac compressor kicks on and off and it will randomly squeak while driving and idling (drive and park), even if the AC is off. In addition, when accelerating hard, there's this odd grinding, squeaking, squalking noise that we can't identify. At one point there was this terrible banging noise (sounded like gunshots) while we were driving down the interstate. We are totally lost and can't afford (and quite frankly are too stubborn) to take it to a mechanic. Any insight is greatly appreciated. It also has a vacuum leak somewhere but no matter how hard we look we can't find it. It's causing a very rough idle. To list some other things that we have already done to rule out include spark plugs, wires, ignition coil, air filter; cleaned the MAF, IAC, and throttle body, and ran some seafoam through it.
 
Well, at least your parts cannon is in good working order. ;)
For the vacuum leak: have you inspected/replaced the elbow in the tubing leading from the pcv valve back to the intake? This is a notorious failure point; mine has collapsed twice. The last time I used a brass plumbing elbow and a dishwasher supply adapter, it’ll outlast the truck now.
Try a mechanic’s stethoscope to isolate the chirp/squeak. Given your description and what you’ve already replaced, I’d guess it’s either a pulley bearing or a misaligned pulley.
Good luck, post a follow up when you can.
(y)
 
Have you checked AC compressor pulley? Alternator? Power steering pump?

Would have been good to keep this in your original thread for continuity so that people reading it can see the whole story in one place.
 
Well, at least your parts cannon is in good working order. ;)
For the vacuum leak: have you inspected/replaced the elbow in the tubing leading from the pcv valve back to the intake? This is a notorious failure point; mine has collapsed twice. The last time I used a brass plumbing elbow and a dishwasher supply adapter, it’ll outlast the truck now.
Try a mechanic’s stethoscope to isolate the chirp/squeak. Given your description and what you’ve already replaced, I’d guess it’s either a pulley bearing or a misaligned pulley.
Good luck, post a follow up when you can.
(y)
Thanks for the reply! We took the belt off and the alternator was squeaking like crazy. We're gonna replace it this week. Hopefully it's the only source of the squeak and nothing else in addition. We're gonna get a fog machine and make it into a smoke tester so we can find the source(s). Something else to note is that there is a coolant smell under the hood after driving. The coolant resivoir needs topped off every month or so. And the oil pan gasket is leaking like crazy so not sure what we're gonna do about that since the subframe is in the way. Guess we'll never be bored!
 
Have you checked AC compressor pulley? Alternator? Power steering pump?

Would have been good to keep this in your original thread for continuity so that people reading it can see the whole story in one place.
That would have been a good idea. Sorry, I'm new to posting on forums.
 
Thanks for the reply! We took the belt off and the alternator was squeaking like crazy. We're gonna replace it this week. Hopefully it's the only source of the squeak and nothing else in addition. We're gonna get a fog machine and make it into a smoke tester so we can find the source(s). Something else to note is that there is a coolant smell under the hood after driving. The coolant resivoir needs topped off every month or so. And the oil pan gasket is leaking like crazy so not sure what we're gonna do about that since the subframe is in the way. Guess we'll never be bored!
Yeah, that’s the best thing about an old truck: it’ll never leave you with enough money or spare time to get in any real trouble!
 
Coolant leak: check the timing cover gaskets. Known issue to this engine. It actually makes the water pump look like it's leaking. I had 200K on mine when it let go. Also, changed the timing chain and gear set while I had it apart 116K ago.... Good luck
 

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