Hello Gang, I was finally changing out that squeaky belt on my 2001 3.0 Ranger, and noticed that that very top pulley, called the belt idler pulley, not the tensioner but the one above it, kinda wobbles back and forth slightly when the truck is running, it also seems to have some play in it when its stopped and I grab it with my hand. This is the pulley with no grooves around maybe 3 1/2 inchs diameter. I check that bolt that holds it on and its nice and tight. Do you guys think that pulley is bad or going bad, or is there some reason it supposed to wobble slightly like that?? Thanks for the input! James.

 

First, welcome to FTE!!!!

The squeak you were hearing might be the bearing in the idler
pulley going bad. The bearing in the idler pulley, or the bearing
in the tensioner pulley will cause a "squeak" noise.

 

Hi all, I am new user and posting on this old question because this is my problem.

I have a 2000 B4000 extended cab that replaced my 1989 Ranger that I only replaced because the 2nd kid made it too tight a fit.

Do you repalce the idler pulley or just the bearings?

 

I tracked down the racket in my 3.0 idler with a "mehanics stehoscope" (piece of garden hose) & replaced the noisy idler. 26 bucks at Napa.
Cant remember where I read it, but I think it is possible to press in a new bearing instead.

 

A long screwdriver will work also. Just put the tip against the bolt holding the pulley, and put the end of the handle
up to your ear. It's interesting what you will hear, try putting the tip on stuff like the alternator, etc. .....