Here lately everytime I start up my truck... 98' ranger 4x4 4.0L, Its squeaks. It will squeak or squeal for about 10 seconds... It is very loud and obnoxious. Then when i put it into gear it will squeal a little and if I turn sharp and gas it right after startup.. It will squeal as well.. I thought at first it could be the power steering pump because of how it squeaked during turning... But Im kind of thinking it may be the idler pulley... any help from yall would be great. thanks you guys.

 

Did you check the tension of your v-belt? I have changed the automatic tensioner because it wore out.

 

How does the belt itself look? That'd be the cheapest/easiest to change.

 

the best is fairly new.... i replaced it about...a year and a half ago.... as for the v-belt? im not sure what that is... if you are referring to the serpentine belt.. then i just answered your question... if thats not it.. well then can you tell me what it is.. and where its at?

 

Yeah, but did you change the tensioner? My belts last about 50 to 60,000 miles before I change them, not because the belts wear out, but because the tensioner wears out.

On the 3.0 the tensioner seems to be more important, and even has a mark on the tensioner to tell you when it's past its prime

 

Have someone else start it up while you have the hood up and listen, taking care to stay away from the moving parts. Most common I suspect is the belt. If you hear the squeak and have a little talcum powder handy, put it on the belt and it goes away, you likely have your answer. Don't use belt dressing. I also vote to suspect tensioner before idler pulley if it is not the belt itself, if you've not changed the tensioner before. You'll clearly hear if it is the belt and or pulleys since they are right in front and if not, maybe then evaluate the ps situation.

 

Sorry, I meant to say serpentine belt, not v-belt!

 

Alot of us remember the days of the v belt and some of us remember they used to turn a generator not an alternator! But you are right, what could be the squeal issue here would be the serp belt. If that is the issue rx, make sure you note how it routes before you remove it or that you still have the routing diagram under the hood to follow.