1998 Ford Ranger Cricket noise from serpentine belt area

1998 FORD RANGER
134,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GIBBYPLEASE
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Recently my power steering pump seized and it was replaced with a rebuilt one. Since then, there's been a minor cricket chirp coming from the area of the belt & pulleys. It occurs only when cold and goes away when the engine is warmed up. It occurs more rapidly with accelaration. The belt was changed 3 months ago, before the pump seized, and this sound was not present before the new pump.

This is such a minor noise that I thought I'd take care of it myself. Also, it seems to be getting better with time.

What should I do to silence this? What type of magic spray can I aim at these pulleys?
Sep 30, 2009 at 1:11 PM
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IMPALASS
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Hello –

To better assist you is your model just the Ranger or the Splash also what is your engine size in liter, do you have AC and what it the 8th digit of your VIN.
Sep 30, 2009 at 1:59 PM
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GIBBYPLEASE
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It's the Ranger XLT, 2wd extended cab, 4.0 L V6, with AC, 8th digit is 'X'.
Sep 30, 2009 at 4:28 PM
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IMPALASS
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Hello –

Thanks for the info………

It is possible when your PS seized it put a lot of stress on your belt tensioner. Once it warms up the spring gets more warm and is better. That is one possibility.

The other thing is the stress on the other pulleys especially the idler pulley. I just had one in here the idler pulley totally disintegrated……

My suggestion. Remove the belt and spin each pulley….they should spin quietly and freely…no binding or rubbing sound. I would also replace the belt tensioner. One, because of the PS and since you have about 134k on the vehicle.

If the other main pulleys make noise, say the alternator doesn’t sound good, these are sealed bearings and will eventually go……….

Check them all out first and replace the tensioner and see what you have then……
Sep 30, 2009 at 5:39 PM
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IMPALASS
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Hello - Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Ranger_Recalls_3.jpg

Sep 30, 2009 at 6:26 PM