I had a slight squeaking sound, and a little coolant leak, so I assumed the water pump was causing the noise, too. Replaced pump, and noise was actually a little worse. Replaced tensioner pulley, since it didn't feel the smoothest while spinning it by hand, but no change in noise.

While the engine was idling, I noticed that the water pump pulley appears to wobble ever so slightly. I think I may have warped it while removing it from the old pump, since it was stuck on there pretty good. While it idled, I dribbled a little water on the pulley, and the noise disappeared for a little while. So I removed the belt, cleaned all the pulleys with brake cleaner, and washed the belt in soapy water and rinsed well. When everything dried, I put the belt back on, but the noise is still there.

So, does it sound reasonable that I need a different pulley? If so, where can I get one? The belt looks pretty new, no wear or cracking visible. Any ideas appreciated!

 

new belt keep old as spare.

 

Put on a new belt and make sure it is tight. The belt on 4.0 has to be real tight.

 

On my 98 XJ the idler pulley bolt must be slightly loosened before adjusting the belt tensioning bolt on the power steering pump's mounting bracket. After tension is properly set, then re-tighten the idler pulley bolt.

I just did all this today after replacing my water pump.

 

Yup, this is important. Before messing around with pulleys make sure you have a new quality belt on there. Goodyear Gatorback is the bestest. And they really do need to be absurdly tight

 

OK, I'll pick up a belt. I've only had the Jeep about a month, so I don't know the age of the belt, but it sure looks like new.

The wp pulley really does have a slight wobble, though. Anyone know a source for these?

Thanks again, guys.

 

jy for pulley

 

Before you put everything back together make sure to check the idler pulley itself.. I know they are pretty bad about going out on 2.5's, so I'd say their probably bad on 4.0's as well.

 

If you mean the tensioner pulley, I replaced it. Thanks!

 

like they said..make sure your belt is TIGHT. Like TIGHT tight. but not too tight. You know just TIGHT.

 

Yeah, she was tight. I tightened it up more than I was comfortable with, just to see what would happen, and it still made noise.

 

Oh, well if that's the case perhaps there's been a miscommunication...

???

 

lol!

 

Doubt it matters, but I may as well spill it. I normally buy from Napa. Just seems to work out OK. Stranded I had a buddy pick me up a belt, from O'Relies. Squeaked. Tightened. Squeaks. tightened. Still some noise. I just live with it. Voltage is OK.

 

hahahahahah