92 Ranger with 51,000 miles

My grandfather willed me his 1992 Ford Ranger. It's very clean with only 51000 miles on it. I have a couple questions since I've never owned a Ford before (other than an Escort RS Turbo in England). I'm hearing what appears to be a whining sound from the power steering pump and some pulley chattering near the Alternator. Are these common problems? How do I repair them? Thanks for your time.

"I'm hearing what appears to be a whining sound from the power steering pump"

Do not attemp to repair it. Put your ears on ignore.


"some pulley chattering near the Alternator"

Use WD-40. Mine does it from time to time. The weather effects it. If you have money to spend and free time you my take it to a mechanic. Mine has 155,000 miles and hasn't failed yet.

Thanks for the info... I'll try the WD-40. What's the deal with the power steering pump sound?

Thanks for the info... I'll try the WD-40. What's the deal with the power steering pump sound?

They whine a little, but if the sound is bad, it might go out on you one day. You'll still be able to drive though.

Have you noticed your batt light coming on? If so, I would have the alternator checked out. This is an issue that will leave you stranded one day.

Pete

Thanks Psycho. It's good to know I would still be able to drive the truck home if the P Steering pump goes out. As far as the battery light, no... it does not illuminate at all. The voltage stays steady.

The only quite power steering pump on a Ranger will be the original one from the factory, any replacement will whine. The pump is usually good unless it leaks. If it leaks use a cap full of DOT III brake fluid. That will swell up the seals or use stop leak for power steering.

My alternator is original (156k miles) At times it makes noise in that area. I could be the serpentine belt tension pulley or any pulley for that matter. Best plan is not to ignore your truck. Pop the hood and make a visual inspection on the motor every weekend. You can usually see and smell problems arising on older vehicles if you pay attention.

Good advice! I will keep check on the pump and pully setup. I am enjoying the truck so far and hope to keep it for a long time. It has fairly low miles for it's age and the paint and body are in excellent shape. It was parked under a car port all of it's life. The only interior issue is a rattling right front speaker. I think that's due to dry rot from old age. I plan to replace all of the factory speakers anyways. Are there any other 1992 Ranger specific problem areas that I should focus on?

Are there any other 1992 Ranger specific problem areas that I should focus on?[/QUOTE]

If it has the original air conditioning system...........you could have problems with it. A/c is a weak spot. Maybe you will luck out.

If the engine doesn't have "any" leaks, switch to Mobil 1 synthetic oil every 6,000 miles. The engine will last forever.

Sounds like some good tips! The Ac works fine so I guess I'm lucky. Especially since I live in Florida! I'll switch to the synthetic at the next oil change. I'm also planning a tune up.

by the way Pep Boys here in Houston sells new Power Steering pumps for $67 with a LIFETIME warranty!