On a 2001 Ranger, 6 Cyl., Edge model 4.0L, I have a squealing serpentine belt.
I have a squealing serpentine belt on 2001 Ranger with 4.0 l engine. The power steering pulley has about 1/8" of play in it. After squirting water on pulley it's quiet for 20 seconds or so then squeals again. Can the pulley be pressed back on tight? or does it need to be replaced? The PS pump does not make any unusual noise and the PS works OK with no leaks. Where would I get a pulley removal/replacement kit?
Are you sure the pulley just doesn't bolt on from the front? It may take a special tork wrench so don't strip it out thinking allen head. Sounds like the bearing is shot in the pulley. At least try lubricating it with WD40 and definitely not water.
The PS pulley should have a little play - 1/8" is about right. It takes a special too to install and remove the pulley - it's a press fit. It's more likely that a worn out tensioner, pulley or belt is the culprit. Remove the belt and check for unusual noises while spinning each pulley. Don't forget the AC and water pump too! It's usually an idler pulley bearing gone bad - heck - it might not be spinning at all!
Had exact same problem with '01 3.0L Ranger at 98K miles. Replaced the tensioner pulley and belt. No probs. Here's a good YouTube video. http://youtu.be/G4PS7WHlgi0
Yea I have a 96 Ford ranger 3.0L 6 cylinder. The belt came loose all of a sudden, is that the tensioner? It's the only thing I can come up with!
