Hi guys, I am new here. I have had my "87 Ranger since 1990 and have had LOADS of problems with it. But I am sentiMENTALLY attached to it and am trying to keep it running as long as i can. The current problem is that it is squealing - like it is the fan belt - but it is intermmittent! I have had the belt replaced several times - it seems to go away for awhile and then right back again. Then it might go away for a couple of days and then come back again! That is the way with this truck - nothing is ever repeatable when i get it to a service center! i think it hates me!! Anyway, I was wondering if it could be one of the accessories that the fan belt runs? Could some of the bearings be wearing out. I replaced the engine back in 2001 and it only has 20,000 miles on it - but I don't think they replaced the acessories. Can anyone give me a place to start - I hate driving down the road and then clutch in and SQUEAL! Yeah - only when there is no load on it. Idling - Squealing! Anyone ever had any experience with this? Should I just replace the belt again? Ugh...

Thanks alot guys,,,

Lisa

 

try the water pump or alternator

i feel the same way with my 87

oh and welcome to the site

 

Thanks for the reply - guess I should try the alternator - I know it has been a long time since I replaced that - good place to start I guess. Water pump is so much more expensive place to start.
yeah - get used to dealing with all kinds of problems with the '87, huh!

 

does it have an automatic tensioner or do you set the tension yourself? if it is an automatic tensioner then chances are its done for and isnt holding the tension properly. if you set the tension yourself and it is set correctly then id take off the belt and spin all the pulleys by hand and see if any make noise or feel like the bearings are toast.

 

I think the tension is set manually. I know my husband has loosened it up and then tried tightening everything and it didn't work. I like the idea about listening to and feeling the bearings on the individual pulleys. We are not too car savvy, so I gratefully accept any ideas anyone has to offer! Thank you!!

 

I think I'd take a pad and paper and make a list of all the items that come into contact with the belts. ie-alternator, water pump, tensioner, power steering pump, crankshaft...

then, take that list to the parts store, or look them up on Rock-Auto.com and start with the cheapest one.

I agree with Tire-Iron...if it has an automatic tensioner then replace that first. If there is one there, it sounds like the internal spring mechanism is old and not up to snuff anymore.

You know, just to make sure it is the belt, you could purchase some belt dressing. This is a spray that you spray on the back of the belt (while on the vehicle) that makes it sticky and less likely to squeal. If that doesn't lessen the problem then you may have an issue with one of the accessories bearings wearing out.

Just a thought.

 

If it has a clutch on the fan it could be going out too. I think mine is starting to go bad because it squeals a little at certain engine speeds.