belt squeal at different times
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
belt squeal at different times
Hey all
I just joined up recently when I purchased my 98 Cherokee Sport. Only 89k on the body and trans, engine was replaced after the PO ran it without oil for a while and might very well have more mileage than the rest of the car.
Anyway, I've had an issue with an annoying belt squeal. It generally occurs on startup and when I give it any amount of gas, when the engine is cold or relatively cool (basically before the belt has a chance to warm up) and in rain of course. The other night, I cold-started it while it was probably around 45 degrees out and the lights would also flicker at times while the belt was squealing, as if the belt temporarily wasn't turning the alternator or something.
It would also occur at weird times, such as when I hold the window switch down for a split second after it finishes going up/down all the way, when the steering wheel is at full lock either direction or when I use any accessories (windows, lights, A/C, etc) at the same time.
My first thought was just a loose belt, but the belt seems tensioned correctly. Based on what actions make the engine squeal, I've also thought that maybe the alternator is going bad, but I'm just not sure. Power steering fluid is also good.
I've also noticed that my heat doesn't get incredibly hot, just warm, and occasionally my headlights will remain on even after the car is off and I've pushed the switch all the way off. I'm not sure if these would be related at all, or just separate problems of their own.
Any thoughts? I tried doing a quick search but couldn't quite pinpoint my issue.
Thanks everyone!
I just joined up recently when I purchased my 98 Cherokee Sport. Only 89k on the body and trans, engine was replaced after the PO ran it without oil for a while and might very well have more mileage than the rest of the car.
Anyway, I've had an issue with an annoying belt squeal. It generally occurs on startup and when I give it any amount of gas, when the engine is cold or relatively cool (basically before the belt has a chance to warm up) and in rain of course. The other night, I cold-started it while it was probably around 45 degrees out and the lights would also flicker at times while the belt was squealing, as if the belt temporarily wasn't turning the alternator or something.
It would also occur at weird times, such as when I hold the window switch down for a split second after it finishes going up/down all the way, when the steering wheel is at full lock either direction or when I use any accessories (windows, lights, A/C, etc) at the same time.
My first thought was just a loose belt, but the belt seems tensioned correctly. Based on what actions make the engine squeal, I've also thought that maybe the alternator is going bad, but I'm just not sure. Power steering fluid is also good.
I've also noticed that my heat doesn't get incredibly hot, just warm, and occasionally my headlights will remain on even after the car is off and I've pushed the switch all the way off. I'm not sure if these would be related at all, or just separate problems of their own.
Any thoughts? I tried doing a quick search but couldn't quite pinpoint my issue.
Thanks everyone!
Last edited by Dannymac1216; 10-29-2014 at 11:27 PM.
#2
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes
on
12 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: Golen 4.6L
<<<@!1!@>>>
Despite conventional wisdom, most people can't really tell whether the belt is appropriately tightened by twisting it or pushing on it. You need to get a belt tension gauge and make sure the actual tension is what it's supposed to be according to the service manual. I like the Krikit gauge, which NAPA sometimes carries locally. You can also order them from .
I can't recall what the tension is supposed to be while I'm out on the road away from my FSM, but someone here can probably look it up for you. You will probably find that your belt is a lot looser than you think.
If the belt is the right tension but it's still squeaking, you might have something leaking on it, or you might just have a crap belt that needs to be replaced. If you replace it, get a Goodyear Gatorback.
Edit to add: I have no idea what the hell "<<<@!1!@>>>" is or why the board put it in my message, but I think I'll leave it there for the sake of absurdity.
Despite conventional wisdom, most people can't really tell whether the belt is appropriately tightened by twisting it or pushing on it. You need to get a belt tension gauge and make sure the actual tension is what it's supposed to be according to the service manual. I like the Krikit gauge, which NAPA sometimes carries locally. You can also order them from .
I can't recall what the tension is supposed to be while I'm out on the road away from my FSM, but someone here can probably look it up for you. You will probably find that your belt is a lot looser than you think.
If the belt is the right tension but it's still squeaking, you might have something leaking on it, or you might just have a crap belt that needs to be replaced. If you replace it, get a Goodyear Gatorback.
Edit to add: I have no idea what the hell "<<<@!1!@>>>" is or why the board put it in my message, but I think I'll leave it there for the sake of absurdity.
#4
CF Veteran
It would be helpful to locate where the squeal is coming from, so have a look while a helper does those things you mentioned that cause the noise to occur and try to locate. Belt, pulley, alternator, etc
#6
CF Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,734
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
Year: 2015, 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Engine: 3.6L
The old belt has hardened up and is slipping.
As mentioned, replace with a Goodyear Gatorback.
Belt tension should be 1" total deflection on the longest span between pulleys. After installing a new belt, run it in with accessories operating for 10 minutes, then check tension.
You have a headlight delay built into your Jeep. If you turn off your headlights after turning the key to "off", your headlights only will stay on approximately 45 seconds, then turn off.
Lukewarm heat? Flush and service your cooling system, paying particular attention to free flow through the heater core. A MOPAR 195* thermostat is best for rapid warm up and best heat, other people's opinions notwithstanding.
As mentioned, replace with a Goodyear Gatorback.
Belt tension should be 1" total deflection on the longest span between pulleys. After installing a new belt, run it in with accessories operating for 10 minutes, then check tension.
You have a headlight delay built into your Jeep. If you turn off your headlights after turning the key to "off", your headlights only will stay on approximately 45 seconds, then turn off.
Lukewarm heat? Flush and service your cooling system, paying particular attention to free flow through the heater core. A MOPAR 195* thermostat is best for rapid warm up and best heat, other people's opinions notwithstanding.
Last edited by Firestorm500; 10-30-2014 at 01:26 PM.
#7
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: LI, NY
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
My 2000 does the same thing. New belt helped some but tightening it up real good did the most good. It still squeals in the rain. Why jeep put the alternator down so low where it gets wet easily, Ill never know. It helps if you still have that black rubber shield under your engine still all pinned up right. If its missing or not attached all the way, your belts will get soaked in the rain all the time.
Trending Topics
#9
CF Veteran
The old belt has hardened up and is slipping.
As mentioned, replace with a Goodyear Gatorback.
Belt tension should be 1" total deflection on the longest span between pulleys. After installing a new belt, run it in with accessories operating for 10 minutes, then check tension.
You have a headlight delay built into your Jeep. If you turn off your headlights after turning the key to "off", your headlights only will stay on approximately 45 seconds, then turn off.
Lukewarm heat? Flush and service your cooling system, paying particular attention to free flow through the heater core. A MOPAR 195* thermostat is best for rapid warm up and best heat, other people's opinions notwithstanding.
As mentioned, replace with a Goodyear Gatorback.
Belt tension should be 1" total deflection on the longest span between pulleys. After installing a new belt, run it in with accessories operating for 10 minutes, then check tension.
You have a headlight delay built into your Jeep. If you turn off your headlights after turning the key to "off", your headlights only will stay on approximately 45 seconds, then turn off.
Lukewarm heat? Flush and service your cooling system, paying particular attention to free flow through the heater core. A MOPAR 195* thermostat is best for rapid warm up and best heat, other people's opinions notwithstanding.
#12
Beach Bum
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Blackcherokee290
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
27
07-26-2022 07:52 PM
Zeke P. Lucas
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
08-30-2015 05:42 PM
David Chauncey Clothier
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
08-29-2015 09:31 PM
dave1123
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
8
08-25-2015 08:13 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)