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- Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984 to 2001 Why is Serpentine Belt Slipping
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Serpentine belt keeps slipping off
03-19-2017, 01:03 PM
#31
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
The Thermostat housing is a general weak point on these 4.0s they corrode and pit and cause all sorts of problems when it comes time to reseal them. A thin coat of RTV sealant on both the housing and block after cleaning them up as well as you can, with a new gasket is usually enough to help it seal up. I use the Elrig Orange Dirko product which is OES for most audis/vws/bmw and has some serious sealing power at all temps.
I've never applied any sealant to the water pump. the paper gasket has always been substantial. If it's truly leaking and not just leaking down from the thermo housing then I hate to say it but you fudged something up. You should verify the housing is properly sealed before continuing diagnosis on the Pump leak. also the stat should go in first then the gasket then the housing bleeder valve facing up if so equipped.
If the pitting is bad on the housing just get a new one. they only run about $15.
Other tip is until you can verify the system is fully sealed maybe just use straight water until it's confirmed. flush it out when you are done.
I've never applied any sealant to the water pump. the paper gasket has always been substantial. If it's truly leaking and not just leaking down from the thermo housing then I hate to say it but you fudged something up. You should verify the housing is properly sealed before continuing diagnosis on the Pump leak. also the stat should go in first then the gasket then the housing bleeder valve facing up if so equipped.
If the pitting is bad on the housing just get a new one. they only run about $15.
Other tip is until you can verify the system is fully sealed maybe just use straight water until it's confirmed. flush it out when you are done.
09-16-2017, 10:45 PM
#32
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Model: Cherokee
1996 grand cherokee
A few days ago, my jeep started making a noise that sounded like plastic cups being tossed around. I pinpointed this noise to the engine bay and found my serpentine belt was way off track by power steering pump. So to fix this, I went ahead and loosened the belt tension adjusting bolt by the power steering pump bracket and the idler pulley and realigned the belt once more and tightened her up again.
Within seconds of starting the vehicle up again, it slipped off track again and I decided to take a dance with my luck and had tried to drive it back to my house which was a mere 7 miles away. Unfortunately, it did not make it. Part way through the trip, the serpentine belt came completely off and I lost power steering and the temperature started to rise. I was forced to pull it over to a gas station to let it rest for about 15-20 min before I trudged it along to a nearby friend's house where it currently sits.
My question is....what the hell is wrong with it? The belt was on there pretty good and is (was) in good condition before, so I am not sure how it all of the sudden started to become loose and slip off track.
Any input is greatly appreciated, the car is my only set of wheels now so the sooner I get this thing back on the road, the better.
It's a 96' cherokee with a 4.0 for those wondering.
EDIT: Oh, and my coolant spewed everywhere too causing the car to overheat.
Within seconds of starting the vehicle up again, it slipped off track again and I decided to take a dance with my luck and had tried to drive it back to my house which was a mere 7 miles away. Unfortunately, it did not make it. Part way through the trip, the serpentine belt came completely off and I lost power steering and the temperature started to rise. I was forced to pull it over to a gas station to let it rest for about 15-20 min before I trudged it along to a nearby friend's house where it currently sits.
My question is....what the hell is wrong with it? The belt was on there pretty good and is (was) in good condition before, so I am not sure how it all of the sudden started to become loose and slip off track.
Any input is greatly appreciated, the car is my only set of wheels now so the sooner I get this thing back on the road, the better.
It's a 96' cherokee with a 4.0 for those wondering.
EDIT: Oh, and my coolant spewed everywhere too causing the car to overheat.
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