I have an 88' XJ with a "chirping issue". When I bought it the harmonic balancer was about to fall off, I replaced it, which fixed most of my noise, but not all. So I replaced the idler pulley, which changed nothing. This belt appears to be in good shape, but it was on the jeep (and running crooked) with the old harmonic balancer. Could this be my problem; OR could it be all the junk the last owner sprayed on the pulleys trying to get the belt to shut up? If I pour water on the smooth side of the belt it goes completely away for the moment, and then returns seemingly as the water dries. I read somewhere that if water makes it quiet, then its the belt---- Is this really the case? I know it's not a major issue, but it is annoying and I don't want to just keep throwing money at it guessing. Also will the more expensive Dayco belts from Advance Autoparts be a good way to go? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Change the belt it's molded to the broken balancer.

 

i just changed my idler and belt and it stopped my little chirping

 

Try a new belt. In my experience anytime you change any of the pulleys, you're gonna need to change the belt. I prefer Gates belts