The problem is solved... For now.. just kiddin. i installed the new tensioner pulley arm and all. Turns out, the old one was sort of bent (see pic) causing the pulley to spin cockeyed. Im so relieved not to hear this rediculous chirp any more.

See how the left side of the arm itself is gapped more than the right? That little offset caused big problems lol


Heres another pic of the old system

 

very nice. I had the EXACT same problem, with that uneven gap and replaced mine also. Its nice to have a normal sounding truck again isn't it? haha before I was embarassed every time it rained (much worse in the water....) I felt like every one was staring haha

 

Im tellin ya, I literally tore the front of my engine/exterior off to fix the squeek I had on my own truck. It was partially a water pump, and partially a bad bearing (Coolant leaked onto it.. not good..) Then after I got it all installed, it squeeked on the first rain.. I ran out to Autozone, bought a Gatorback.. and it fixed everything



Moral of the story: (lol) Everyone hates the squeeks!

 

Anyone using the Goodyear brand tensioner assembly ( part number 49220 )? My 2003 is squealing on and off. I watched the tensioner with the engine running and its movements are consistent with the squealing. This is going to be one of those few factory parts that I'd hate to have to replace with another factory part just to have the same problem a few thousand miles later. I'd like to believe that in this case an aftermarket replacement would be a better solution.

 

i had the sam problem got a new and like new now

 

I tore the front of my engine apart to fix a squeel too. It started as a chirp and progressed. After replacing the idler pulley, tensioner, belt, testing the alternator, replacing the ps pump, removing the fan, and checking the alignment of the pullies, I bought a gatorback belt and solved the problem. When it has been raining and the engine isn't warmed up it still chirps a little.

On a side note squeaking brakes are annoying too although it hasn't been a problem on my truck.

 

lol i just say its a super charger... sad part it some people belive me

 

I had a problem similar. My tensioner pulley froze, and the belt just kept running over it, causing a hellish squeal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBM4f_vZlw

 

Here's mine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBSfiyETTXo

The squeal heard also comes about while driving at neighborhood speeds. It's aggravating and embarrassing.

 

Well, here's mine.


Are you using a factory Ford replacement assembly or parts store aftermarket and what part number? I came back to look at your pics and I'm almost certain I have the same issue. Right now the squealing on mine is so bad I keep thinking the tensioner pulley is going to lock up and chew up my belt.

 

On another thread (possibly another forum) I was reading last year of someone replacing their tensioner and it still ran skewed to the belt . His remedy was to install a shim washer on the locator stud on the back of the tensioner.This angled the tensioner enough to make the belt run true on the pulley.