Lincoln/Mercury Repair: 2000 Mountaineer serpentine belt/pulley, serpentine belt, belt pulley

Question
Pete,

I have a 2000 Mountaineer with a SOHC 4.0 L engine.  Yesterday, I noticed a squeal coming from the serpentine belt area.  The belt does not look cracked or in bad repair.  I have just purchased this vehicle so am unfamilier with its nuances.   I checked the power steering fluid and it is at the correct level.   It doesn't seem to be the power steering because when I turn the wheels it has no effect on the sound. Also the sound does not go away it is there even when driving.   It did not do this when I purchased it.   I think it is the tension pulley or maybe one of the other pullies.   What might it be?

thanks for the help.  

Answer
hello
i would just change the belt they will make noise when they get strecthed . and they will still look good i would try spraying just a touch of wd 40 on the belt and see if the noise goes away if it does then change the belt it is the problem . good luck to u if i can help u more please let me know . please rate my serivice pete