I recently purchased a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT. The serpentine belt had a bit of an inconsistent 'squeak' sound. I looked at the belt, and found that it is dry-rotted a little and has cracks.

I sprayed a product that is supposed to eliminate the squeaking noise (should that be the true problem), and give longer life to the belt. At some point, I will soon change the belt.

My problem is either I put too much of the liquid on the belt, or it got inside of something because the squeak is now louder and consistent. If you have ever heard the sound from a blower-motor like it is beginning to lock-up, that is now a new sound in addition to the squeak. This has been going on for four days now.

On a cold engine, it will not squeak or make sound. After about 1-2 miles, the squeak returns. It becomes quieter every time I accelerate, but once I stop accelerating, the sound returns. Has the belt-product I used gotten into the engine block? Will it destroy the engine block? It has been four days, but I have hope that it will eventually 'dry out'.

Thanks for any advice,

XenoSapien

Sounds like a pulley. I had same problem on my 01 ranger edge and had to replace the tension pulley.

But it was mostly OK before I sprayed that belt-stuff on it. Ball-park figure, what am I looking at to pay for a pulley repair?

XenoSapien

If belt is checked or dry rotted, replace. Less han $30. I replaced the tension pully of $4. Found one the salvage yard. Did it myself so don't know what new one or labor would be. I guess maybe $100?

. Even with a mechanic's stethoscope, noises can sometimes be difficult to isolate. Your problem may even be a water pump bearing that only whines at low speeds.

. If you decide to replace the serpentine belt, the link below may help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563-5.html#post578394