xjcrazy0346

Hey guys having some trouble out of my belt on my 96 xj 4.0. I just put a new belt and idler pulley on it and it still squeaks not at idle but when u rev it up any suggestions

jpz

Sounds like your belt tension is off. I would adjust it based off when it squeaks when you "rev it up". Does it immediately squeak when you rev it? I would increase tension. Does it squeak after the engine has climbed 1,000 rpm? I would decrease the tension.

The first time I replaced my belt I had an immediate "off idle" squeak when revving the engine. I increased tension several time, and eventually the squeak happened as the engine revved over 2,000-2,500RPM. At that point I loosed the belt about half the amount that I had just tightened and it was fine. Hasn't made a noise since.

xjcrazy0346

It squeaks as soon as I hit the throttle. If I'm drive it don't

Jeep Driver

Harmonic balancer.

xjcrazy0346

Harmonic balancer? Not aligned right?

xjcrazy0346

Imma try to tighten it a lil and see what it does and go from there. Thanks jpz

xjcrazy0346

Well guys I found out what was the squeak was and that is the water pump. The bearings r shot

jpz

Well, that's not too terrible to replace. And, in doing so you'll become more familiar with the proper tension the belt needs. Being a mechanical adjustment, they also need periodic re-tightening so don't be surprised if it squeaks a year to two down the road.

Also, it's a hell of a lot cheaper to try the tension first instead of just throwing parts at it. So you made the right call trying to adjust it first. Once the belt is off, spin the remaining pulleys and see how their bearings feel.

xjcrazy0346

Yea for sure jpz but I also found out that it wasn't only my water pump doing the squeaking it's also my alternator as well

xjcrazy0346

Ok so I replaced the alternator the water pump the idler pulley the belt. When I put the alternator on it didn't squeal at all and now it's it is again. Don't if it could be the Ac compresser or what but it's really getting aggravating lol

Jeep Driver

Shall I give you the same answer????????

xjcrazy0346

Nope u sure can't bc it's not the balancer. Just had it checked everything is lined up good and and it was the tensioner bc the threads r striped

investinwaffles

Does it do it regardless if the AC is on/off? Electrical Accessories too?

If not, you can probably rule out the AC compressor and the alternator.

Have you tried tightening the belt WHILE you are revving the motor up? I thought my squeal was from a bad idler pulley, but it turned out to be simply not enough tension.

xjcrazy0346

Well my alternator and idler and water pump and belt as well is new. And it does it when the Ac is on to