Tensioner Replacement
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New User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Tensioner Replacement
I have a 1998 Ranger Supercab 4x4 auto with the 3.0 liter engine. I have a terrible belt squeel and I suspect the tensioner as it seems a bit cocked towards the engine. How hard is this to replace? Does the fan have to come out? I can't find any information in the Haynes manual about replacement of this part. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 104
From: Southern KS
You can replace just the pulley on the tensioner without removing the fan. I would suggest a dealer part as I have bought one from Autozone that wasn't even round. It should only be about 25 bucks. Also, it seems that the belts are touchy. If it is not very new, I would buy another and before intalling, clean all the engine pulleys with solvent and a wire brush. If they are dirty, even a new belt will make noise. Don't rule out the idler pulley too.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
If you repace the belt, consider one of the poly-cog type, they run quiet, smooth & cool.
GoodYear & Dayton make them.
I'm running Dayton poly-cogs on my 99 4.0L Ranger & 94 Taurus 3.8L & both are quieter than the OEM Motorcraft belts.
I've heard good reports on the GoodYear belt also, so if you can find them, they would be a good option for consideration.
Sounds like your tensioner has issues, if you can see mis-alignment. Remove the belt & see if the tensioners belt pulley has any play/wobble in it's bearing, if so replace it. Same for the idler pulley.
Also check the tensioners spring, if it's not putting enough tension on the belt. it'll slip. The 3.0L should have a tension range indicator built into the tensioners casting.
As super6.8 suggested, make sure the other pulleys are clean before you install a new belt. If you have oil on the belt or pulleys, find & fix the source/leak, so you don't ruin a new belt.
Replacing the tensioner is straight foward, remove the belt, unbolt the tensioner. Note the torque reading to remove the tesioners retaining bolt/s & tighten the new one/s to the same value.
GoodYear & Dayton make them.
I'm running Dayton poly-cogs on my 99 4.0L Ranger & 94 Taurus 3.8L & both are quieter than the OEM Motorcraft belts.
I've heard good reports on the GoodYear belt also, so if you can find them, they would be a good option for consideration.
Sounds like your tensioner has issues, if you can see mis-alignment. Remove the belt & see if the tensioners belt pulley has any play/wobble in it's bearing, if so replace it. Same for the idler pulley.
Also check the tensioners spring, if it's not putting enough tension on the belt. it'll slip. The 3.0L should have a tension range indicator built into the tensioners casting.
As super6.8 suggested, make sure the other pulleys are clean before you install a new belt. If you have oil on the belt or pulleys, find & fix the source/leak, so you don't ruin a new belt.
Replacing the tensioner is straight foward, remove the belt, unbolt the tensioner. Note the torque reading to remove the tesioners retaining bolt/s & tighten the new one/s to the same value.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 28
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From: Houston TX
I don't think its absolutely necessary to remove the fan, (I am in the middle of this project while we speak), but I've found that it is easier to disconnect it from the fan clutch so I can push it out of the way.
