Squeecking noise at 2500/3000rpm

[patarch1]

Good afternoon,
1 week after after changing the accessory belt on a 64k miles 97 3L V6 w/ AC Ranger (squeecking noise as soon as the engine was started) the squeeking noise came back at a much much lower volume between 2500 and 3000rpm. I have a very light foot and I seldomly go over 3000rpm except to change speeds (5 manual).
So far, I have two culripts:
*Idler pulley
*Tensioner pulley

What do you think? Is there a famous squeecking pulley I am not aware of.
Thanks.

 

[davey2451]

well i havnt ever looked under the hood of that year ranger but if u spay some lube on the pulley and if the noise gets quieter or stops u know that u need a bearing or something

 

[dangerranger88]

i agree with davey spray some wd40 on it.....if that dosent help go to ur part store and get some blet dressing and try that

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

The 3.0 is known for a high failure rate on the cam position sensors. They start squeaking from a lack of lube on the shaft. The cure is to replace the cam sensor, or lube the shaft on the one you have.

The way to pinpoint the sensor as the culprit, is to remove the serpentine belt and momentarily start the engine. If it continues to squeak, then the cam sensor is at fault......

 

[patarch1]

I did the WD 40 approach, the noise is gone. Because of transmission issues the truck has been stuck with its belly (tranny) open. I noticed that the tensionner pulley had some play, I am going to take it out and see what the issue is. Thanks for the tip on the cam sensors, it is another item on the list...