when i start my 2003 Ranger, with a 3.0, in the morning, there is a squeaking from the engine compartment. it sounds like the belts but they seem tight enough, so i don't know what else it could be. what is it? and what can i do about it?

 

Sounds like a belt to me. Take some silicone spray and LIGHTLY spray the inside edge of the belt. A little bit goes a long way. Then see if it squeaks the next time you start it up. I just put a new belt on mine about 8 months ago and it squeaks just slightly when I crank it.

 

Failing pulley bearings can cause squeaking, too. But my bet is on the belt.

 

IMO, i would personally not spray any kind of dressing, etc. on the belt. find out what the cause is and fix it right the first time. dressing will usually just temporarily quiet the belt, only to return again, sometimes worse than before. mine squeeked like mad a while back, replaced the belt that was caked with residue from some type of lubricant from previous owner, that didn't help, it ended up being the tensioner causing it. good luck!

 

Hello,

Just want to thank all for their knowledge shared here on this superb forum.

In re: to the squeeling, I have experienced this too. I replaced the belt as it appeared a little dry & I was unsure of it's history. About 8 months later I used a bit of belt dressing (*sparingly*). But a few months ago, I have had to rebuild (repacked) both the idler roller (?) and tensioner bearings. They both appeared to be in need of some attention. The squeel did go away @ that point.

However sometime later now, I have what appears to be a squeel in the area in front of the water pump, but it doesn't appear to be the fan clutch. So i'm thinking the water pump itself? I wondered if I read this somewhere about a front bearing in a water pump???

If anyone stumbles on this I be happy fer some commentary

Thanks again, jm
99 Ranger 3.0