Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2004 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Ranger based on all problems reported for the 2004 Ranger.
Complaint related to 2004 Ford Ranger 4. 0l v6 sohc engine with 81,000 miles. On September 15th 2010, I started experiencing a squeak from the engine compartment on my 2004 Ford Ranger. I changed the pulleys that had bearings that could contribute to the noise but the noise persisted. I then changed the belt and the squeak went away for a while. After another 1500 miles the squeak was back and more pronounced. I investigated this incidence and found that the pulley separated from the harmonic balance and slid towards the timing chain case. The belt was now riding on the rubber hub of the crankshaft part of the harmonic balance. The squeak was coming from the belt rubbing on the side of the pulley replaced harmonic balance with after market model. Old part available for inspection.
Recently I encountered a problem with my 2004 Ford Ranger. The harmonic balance pulley came apart. The website carcomplaints. Com has at least 14 incidence of harmonic balance failure on other Ford models. Can you investigate this issue and verify my findings? in my opinion, the problem has serious safety ramifications because of the systems involved. The harmonic balance pulley driving the serpentine belt that power the steering and brake pumps. The loss of both pumps has the potential of causing an accident. The loss of the serpentine belt will also cause over heating. I believe Ford should inspect and make repairs to this component on its vehicles without charge to the customer.