A couple of questions...

[LSter]

1) Does anyone else's Gen2 have a tensioner or pulley constantly squeak even after hitting it up with WD-40? If so, what type of lubricant should I use to eliminate the squeak?

2) How in the world do you remove the front license plate bracket?

Thanks!

LSter

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

WD-40 is not a lubricant it will dry out what ever it touches. Also front plate brackets are usually riveted on, may have to drill out the rivets then plug the holes with plastic plugs found at places like lowes or Home Depot. Some people have done this then painted the plugs body color to hide them better

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

You may need to replace the pulley as the bearings are probably shot. May be able to grease them but not 100% sure

 

[scjmc]

You will need to replace the pulley, or the pulley bearing if that is possible. I drilled my front plate bracket off and used some interior push pin style plastic plugs to help hide the holes. I repainted the front bumper later and it looked pretty good.

 

[Shredicus]

Just replace the whole pulley. The newer style has little guards to make sure the belt doesnt slip out of place. CNC makes a belt conditioner product.

 

[joegr]

Just replace the whole pulley. The newer style has little guards to make sure the belt doesnt slip out of place. CNC makes a belt conditioner product.

I agree with replacing it, especially after it has been ruined with WD-40. However, I disagree with the "little guards." If the belt doesn't run centered like it is supposed to, the "guards" will only serve to further damage the belt as it is running off. You don't want the edges of the belt to rub against anything. They won't be able to keep it on. It's a marketing thing to put them on there, for people who don't understand the mechanics of the flat belt system.

 

[LSter]

My bad, it wasn't WD-40, it was silicone lubricant.

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

My bad, it wasn't WD-40, it was silicone lubricant.

Either, way, bearings need bearing grease, and I am pretty sure those on a pulley will be sealed.

The best solution is to replace the pulley.

 

[Telco]

Yes, the spray silicone or WD40 is a test, not a fix. If you spray the pulley and the squeak goes away you replace the pulley. The silicone spray does work well as a belt conditioner though, far better than the old belt dressing.

 

[05 LS8]

1) Does anyone else's Gen2 have a tensioner or pulley constantly squeak even after hitting it up with WD-40? If so, what type of lubricant should I use to eliminate the squeak?

2) How in the world do you remove the front license plate bracket?

Thanks!

LSter

I will elucidate......An old belt will cause a squeaking as well.That seems to be your problem. Don't go wasting your money on a pulley. How many miles on the car?

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

I will elucidate......An old belt will cause a squeaking as well.That seems to be your problem. Don't go wasting your money on a pulley. How many miles on the car?

if one specific pulley squeaks, that will help nothing. That's like replacing a tire because the hub bearing makes noise.

 

[LSter]

93K. The belt and that specific pulley have both been replaced once by the dealer. I'm thinking Ford is putting out crap pulleys because my '02 Explorer did the same thing.

 

[05 LS8]

if one specific pulley squeaks, that will help nothing. That's like replacing a tire because the hub bearing makes noise.

Right.......but, replacing a bearing to fix a vibration caused by a defected tire doesn't fix anything either.

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

I understand, but I would say in the op's case the belt won't help, well the belt alone. If he replaces the pulley a belt won't hurt since it has to be taken loose either way.

 

[REDBED]

There was a TSB out a few years ago about the tensioner squeaking. Fix was to replace with a new one. Mine started chirping right after the warranty expired 52k or so.

 

[LSter]

And that is when it was replaced. Now it's doing it again.

 

[joegr]

And that is when it was replaced. Now it's doing it again.

If your damper pulley is marginal, it will cause your tensioners to wear out quickly because it works them overtime. Look at the damper pulley while the engine is running (best to do this when the engine is just started and still cold). If it is wobbling around much, that could be the root cause. My 04 is fine, but my 06 has a noticeable wobble to it when cold.

If you're lucky, this won't be the problem and it will just be that you got a bad replacement tensioner.