on the way back from junkyard power steering started to growl and i noticed the volt gauge drop a little and running a little warmer thasn usual so i thougt belt slippage. so i bought some belt conditioner gave her a couple sparys and nothing still the same.at idle the power steering is fine it only growls at higher rpms. it is now pretty sticky i dont think it could be slipping maybe bad alternator anyone else expereince this.plannig to install radiator with cap and new housing for thermostat from 96 and wanted to solve this problem beforeinstall to have a better comparison on temp thnk for any help

 

Check your belt tension between the top two pulleys. It should droop about 1/2". The conditioners help to battle squeals, but if the belt is too loose it's just too loose and will have to be tightened.

And check your PS fluid. The pump will start to howl if the reservoir gets too low, although with the drop in voltage I'd assume adjusting the belt tension may fix that problem as well. Still, better safe than sorry.

 

Belt tension that is tight enough will cure all the symptoms you mentioned.

 

it is raining here in il. buti could not resist the urge to figure this out the power steering pump did not make a sound at low rpm only at high fluid was full and belt was tight. once i got the belt off every thing turned freely except alternator when i spun it it only made two revolutions before stopping low on cash so boneyard here i come.

 

belt dressing just kills your belt. sounds like a PS pump problem, and not a belt problem.

 

Belt dressing is a BIG no-no... It doesn't do a bit of good...
If you're wondering where the howl is coming from...
Jackstand the front axle, and start the car....
Get the longest screwdriver you own, and place it on the suspect accessory, and put the other end to your ear. You should hear which one it is. (HINT: you will have to do it from the top for the W/P and P/S, and the bottom for the Alt.)

 

I was reading this thread late last night and did not reply.

Was going to suggest that Fester remove the belt and spin pulleys to check if there is any binding.

BUT, this morning I read this thread and find that he already did that and discovered the ALT is the offending pulley.

XJ ALT's are not cheap. Why? I have no clue, guess they are made by the same people that make the overpriced NSS.

J/Y, right now, will be your best bet.
Look for a "mall-rig" or one that could pass for a "mall-rig". Most times these are babied and the ALTs are in relatively good shape. ALSO before you go to pull it out, check how it spins.

Before installing, take it to AutoZone or one of the other auto parts stores that do diagnostics and have it tested. Last thing you want to do is all the work to install it and have it be "bad"

 

woke up at 8 to go to jy pouring down rain had to get it at oreiily got a buddy there 74 dollars i put it on sunday morning thank for the help

 

While you were at it, you "should" have gotten a new belt.

But you stated the condition of your money situation.... so I believe that could wait.

All working the way it should?

 

running better now alt had bearing going bad replaced it. has a almost new gatorback belt on it. once i got it running again had charging system checked 14.48v but bad alt tok out the battery thanks for all the help.