Jimnich718

I keep getting a loud chirp and/or squeeling from the belt. It sound like the idler pully. I adjusted the tension and it helped but i think it is still slipping. When i drive my voltage gauge doesn't go up to 14 and the check gauge light comes on. This is very hit and miss. It's not everytime i drive. Is it in fact the idler pully needs replaced or could it be something different?

CCKen

Get a cheap stehoscope from O'reilly or Advance auto parts and lay under the Jeep with the engine running and listen to the alternator with the stehoscope. If it's okay, replace the idler pully - it's probably worn out by now anyway. If the alternator is noisy, you know what to do.

evan00xj

I have chronic squealing and chirping on my 2000 xj. Its driving me crazy. I have replaced the belt, alternator, idler pulley, steering pump and pulley. Sonofagun is still squealing. Hot or cold ac on and off. Im stumped too man

scottmphoto

You could try cleaning all the pulleys. If anyone ever sprayed belt dressing on them, that could be your problem. Take the belt off, use some carb cleaner and a wire brush. I also read on here where one guy used Dawn dish soap. I have had this problem in the past myself and I cleaned the pulleys good and my squeak went away.

nickxj94

You still have a working AC compressor? My 94 does the same thing when I first start it if the AC is switched on then it quits when I gas it a little may tighten your power steering pump up a little more but I didn't help mine lol

Jimnich718

I have already bought the idler pully because it sounds like it is from that area. I just havn't put it on yet. My guess is that the belt is slipping too.

ZINGGG

How old is your water pump?

thewhiteknight02

I second the dish soap.

This is my mode of fixing squeaky belts with no apparent mechanical malfunctions.

1: Clean the belt in warm soapy water then clean all the pulleys.
2: Reinstall belt, and with a piece of emery while the engine is running, touch on the smooth belt surface and smooth pulleys CAREFULLY.
3: Carefully wipe it with a dry cloth while its running to remove any bits and gunk.

While belt is off grab a hold of each pulley and look for movement or wiggling. If it is not solid, replace it.

If still squeaking after this. Let it idle in the dark, and with a small flashlight shine each pulley. If the pulley is bad you will see it moving out of round or shaking rather than a good pulley moving very smoothly and rigid. If you suspect a pulley carefully spray some windshield washer or widex on the center of that pulley. If the squeak goes away that pulley is suspect and may need to be replaced.



Windshield washer fluid also works good for cleaning belts and pulleys calms squeaks and leaves no residue. Also safe for rubber and plastics. (wiper blades)

DFlintstone

See post #20>> https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/bel...157150/index2/

Jimnich718

I sprayed white lithium into the hub/bearing area of the idler and it temporarily stopped.

DFlintstone

A bad bearing will get hot from the friction. If you start it cold and that get's hot, .....well now you lubed it. ...might get hot. With the belt loose you could feel it for play/roughness. Granted, I've changed almost everything on mine, but that to, my idler went once. Does sound like you found it!

DFlintstone

Oh yea, besides heat, as Ken points out, noise. Did you get lithium grease on the belt? Dawn did it for me!

Jimnich718

I think i have got my problem figured out. I have the belt routed wrong. I have the idler on the inside of the belt when it should be on the outside.

DFlintstone

Hey! Thanks for getting back. Well done. Glad you solved it.

Jimnich718

Thanks for your input