An option you have is to remove the serpentine belt totally. Then spin each pulley to see how easily they move. It is an easy and free diagnostic option.

 

Belt tensioner. Without the facts, it's guess work. Dial that **** in and then go from there

 

Had an anoying squeeky belt especially with the a/c on. Tried all the above, waterpump, idler, several new belts, even replaced the a/c and ended up thinking it was just blet slip on the crank pulley. This week the alternator seized/froze up and would not turn at all. Replaced the alt and it actually runs better, smoother and seems to have more power. That thing must have really been draging for a long time.

Anyway the point of all this is- pull the belt and physically spin and check each pulley. I finally did this when the engine wouldn't start and the belt/pulleys were not turning. Had I done this before I would have found the bad alt bearing before it seized up and left us needing a tow.

 

I recently had the same problem with my xj. I replaced the belt, alt, and idler. None of those fixed the problem. It ended up being the harmonic balancer making the noise. It was starting to come apart.

 

I just tightened my new Kregan (O'whatever), belt three times in the lest few months. Still was squealing, chirping.

Finally with a hose running pretty low I put Dawn dish soap in both sides with it idling. I then ran the hose on it slow for a good while to completely rince the detergent. Sounds goofy I know, but guess what? That did it. Some sort of coating on the new belt? IDK. Why would a parts supply want me to tension my belt so tight all the bearings would be under all that stress?

Anyway that did it. I might actually loosen it a tad now.

 

I did try quiet belt spray, no luck. Interesting about the dawn liquid lol. At this point im at last resort options haha

 

What brand belt is it ? I will not run anything but Gates.

 

I have no idea. It just says made in USA in it. Ill get a new belt if i have to.

 

Its only a month old

 

You get what you pay for. I hated selling people house brand belts when I was at oreilly.

 

I don't know if that spray "dressing" even works for the V belt it was marketed for. Like I said, the O'kregan seemed to be coated with something.

Just, if you do put detergent on it, leave it a minute, then rinse it for a few minutes after with a hose. And then another minute! (idling) If you ran it slipping with soap still there I would guess there could be all sorts of trouble. Then run it. It might take a bit to dry. Night and day for me. I have various leaks...but that's was new for me to have a new belt that would not shut up. I tightened it tighter than the old one was before I dropped something changing the T-Stat housing. (yea, stuff from there falls right there and breaks the belt)


Try it! Let us know.

 

.

 

I should make a belt that cost $600. It will be the best serpentine belt ever, because you get what you pay for. All other belts will be ****.

 

Gates is always good. I've had no problems with the Goodyear Gatorbacks either.
Best part is if you shop around you can find them for less than $600.

Not that Mr. White's belt isn't totally worth it.

 

I just fixed mine. Thought it was the alternator (used stethoscope) but turned out to be the tensioner. You have to remove the alternator to get to the tensioner bracket so you can check that too while your at it.