'97 Explorer fan belt squeaking.

[drichardson]

I got a 97 explorer 4L V6 2wd (120k miles) and recently have been hearing a squeaking noise that appears to be coming from the fan belt pulleys or belt tensioner. It usually occurs on a cold start and doesn't seem to be the belt (no cracks or anything on the belt). Thinking it might be a bearing or something. Anyone have an idea???

 

[Opera House]

I would check the tensioner. This model has a very bad design and failure is common at this mileage. The center mounting to the engine wears and breaks off. If you see any white plastic on one side it i going bad.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section.

 

[Electrohacker]

the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley are known to throw bearings from time to time

 

[justanother1]

Mine would occasionally make noise if it was damp out for the last 1 year & a half. The alternator had given out. Since replacing it, I no longer have a squeak.

 

[drichardson]

Thanks guys Ill have a look and see if it gets any better

 

[2000StreetRod]

Hope it's not the balancer

I hope that the noise is not due to a failing harmonic balancer! See Harmonic balancer failure for more information.