Twisties

I've read a ton of threads on here but haven't found what I'm looking for. I've got a 1997 XJ with the 4.0. Was periodically getting some lack of power steering issues at low speed/idle so I assumed it was the belt being loose. I tightened it and noticed that the smooth side almost looked glazed and that several of the smooth pulleys were very shiny, basically polished. Bought a new belt, that seemed to help for a few weeks, now the problem is back. While I had the belt off I checked the pulleys to make sure everything was rotating freely and smoothly, wanted to rule out any pulley issues, everything seemed OK. The problem is I've maxed out the tension adjustment but I'm still getting slipping. The belt is TIGHT and I'm a little worried about getting it too tight, but there's no more adjustment anyway.

Any thoughts? Smaller belt? Replace the tension pulley that's shiny? Rough it up? Just not sure where to go from here.....

extrashaky

Two suggestions:

1. Get a Krikit (or similar) belt tension gauge to make sure your belt tension is actually set to the correct tension setting. You would be surprised at how tight these belts are supposed to be. For a new belt, it needs to be 180-200 lbs. ft. For a used belt, it's 140-180 lbs. ft. You tighten a new belt a little more to allow for stretching. Some NAPA auto parts stores carry the gauges locally, or you can order one from Amazon. They're usually $15-20.

The deflection test (where you twist the belt) DOES NOT WORK to properly set the tension. Use the gauge.

2. Replace your belt with a Goodyear Gatorback. The way it's made grips better than regular belts, even when it's looser than it should be. After running one on mine, I doubt I'll ever use anything else.

Usually these problems end up being caused by a belt that is either worn out or just not tightened down enough. I would start with the gauge and go from there, since you'll need the gauge anyway to set the tension if you buy a Gatorback.

Twisties

Thanks, I should have mentioned in my first post that I measured it with a krikit at 200lbs. That's why I'm not sure where to go. Sounds like I'll need to look into a gator back.

Fred/N0AZZ

Spray some belt dressing on it, should take care of it if its tight enough. I've used this forever till auto tensioners came along.