1992 Ford Aerostar Squeaking/Squealing noise. Which is it

GEEKSATLARGE

MEMBER
1992 FORD AEROSTAR
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

1992 Ford Aerostar XLT 3.0 minivan, 185,000 mi. I was getting a squeal or squeak from the front of the engine compartment. A neighbor and I looked at it and my neighbor said it was the bearings in the Idler Pulley after spraying the back of the pulley, and the belt, with WD40. The squeak/squeal went away, but returned after a few seconds. I changed that part, but still get the squeak. When I installed the new Idler Pully, I noticed the squeak got louder the tighter I adjusted it. I had to back off the tension in order to lessen the noise. Now, the problem is I can't determine where the squeak is actually coming from; whether it's the belt itself of a different pulley associated with that belt. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Also, I'd like to find a stethoscope-like listening tool so I can better track down the source.

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

You did put a new belt on didnt you? Remove the belt and by hand spin all pulleys you can, the tensioner or a/c is probably the culprit. Spin them and feel for any roughness, binding or looseness. And ALWAYS put a new belt on when changing the idler and or the tensioner.