I am not a mechanic by trade. I am a fledgling amateur at working on vehicles. I have had many vehicles and have worked on all of them (sometimes it didn't work out). I usually change all my fluids and can usually perform any work outside of a full engine pull. But I have pulled and rebuilt a manual transmission once.

I have a blue 2001 ford ranger 4.0L (vin E of course!) extended cab automatic XLT step side with about 120,000 miles. And I love it! I come from a Ford factory family but don't batt an eye at other vehicles.

I have a major squeaking problem presently. At first I thought that this is was a serpentine belt problem, but now I'm not so sure. At first the problem was that it would squeak only when it was wet. Then it was it would only squeak when I first started it up but when it warmed up it would go away. And after a while it started squeaking all the time. funny thing about it is that the squeaking would get louder as I step on the accelerator.

I have a Haynes manual and two ford motor company repair manuals. I should have a Chiltons manual within the week.

As I said, at first I thought it was a serpentine belt problem but then over time I have replaced the following: the belt, the idler pulley, the tensioner pulley, the water pump, the alternator, the power steering pump, then the serpentine belt again, and the full tensioner assembly.

Although, I will have to say that through my eyeball method it seems as though that the pulleys are aligned. But if anyone can send me a full proof dumbed down way of making sure that the pulleys are correct I would appreciate it. I saw no wobbling or ridiculous movement of the belt or pulleys.

In between belt changes I have tested the belt with spraying water on the belt and then using belt conditioning spray with no positive results. Then I looked at some forums and I cleaned all of the pulleys with alcohol and a brush and cleaned the belt with mild detergent as a backup but replaced the belt brand new.

Although I have read the posts of the miracles of the gatorback brand belts. I don't really believe the hype that a belt could be made of materials so similar but different of other brands so that it doesn't make the infernal squeaking noise. Even though I am unsure of a particular make of belt I will still try it because in my mind I would like to ensure that I have weeded out all of the possibilities. So I will be receiving a belt within a week.

Also, I have checked the crankshaft pulley and it seems to be fine. There have been some posts of there being a malfunction where the pulley spins freely or where the hard plastic section moves towards the engine block.

I have looked up potential problems with the harmonic stabilizer/balancer and I have yet to find the reference in the Haynes or Ford motorcraft manuals. Also I have had a very hard time trying to find references, steps, and pictures on the internet for the replacement of this part. But I have found the part online. Also, I have found a section in the Ford motorcraft repair manual about a four bolt dampener; but I don't know where it is or if it could be the cause of my problem. If anyone could have some documentation about this part and could send it to me I would appreciate it.

 

Let me know what that belt does for you. I'm going out now to pull apart my serpentine belt to see if I have a loose pulley. New belt, new tensioner and new idler here. Same problem.

 

Mine does the same thing

 

Remove the belt and start it for a few seconds. If it's belt related, the squeak will be gone. Then track it down from there.

 

I have definitely taken the belt off and started the truck and there is no squeaking. But I have replaced all of the parts listed above.

 

google ford 4.0 crank pulley failure, mine did this about a month ago but mine seperated, it makes a chirping sound with the belt on but off no sound, put ur belt back on start ur truck crawl under the front below the pulley and listen to see if its were the sound is coming from

 

I'll look it up and hopefully I can get to the truck tomorrow morning. Thank You.

 

your welcome i hope it aint it but if it is its easy to change, just the crank pulley/balancer is 200$ & make sure u get the new crank bolt its 6$

 

Back in the day when distributors exited there was a shaft running from the bottom of the distributor into the block which drove the oil pump and the distributor....no more distributor but beneath the electronic array that 'distributes' the computer's instructions for firing the cylinders is a little short shaft that has a gear on it....and when it wears out, intermittent squeeks begin then more often and then continuouly almost. Check your HAYNES for instruction for RnR of this part....back in the day it was important to get #1 cyl at TDC before replacing this part but I don't think the computer cares anymore and makes the adjustment automatically.....

 

https://www.ranger-forums.com/engine-drivetrain-122/how-3-0-cam-synchro-replacement-81674/


It's for a 3.0 but, it will work the same on a 4.0
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It's called the cam position sensor shaft assy. Cam sensor sits on top of it held on by 2 small screws. Rread these directions.

The computer does not & can not fix your timing issues. If you pull this sensor & gear assy. out, it MUST be installed back correctly or it WILL NOT start. You have to time it just like you would a distributor assy. Follow the directions & you will be o.k. It's not hard.

He is right about the squeaking noise but the computer will not correct the timing when you remove this part. Here, read this & save to favs. for future references.Good luck & let us know if this was your problem.