So I replaced my cooling system a few weeks back and put on a new belt while I was in there. I know from reading other posts that it should be very tight. I know I should have a torque wrench, but I dont at this point. I tightened the belt up more the other day because i could hear a small squeal when I started the engine. For the last two mornings when I start the jeep up cold, I hear a clicking noise when I turn the engine over. So I figured that wasnt good, so I loosened the belt slightly, and that went away, but there was a small squeal again when I turned the jeep on.
When i push down on the belt with one finger, there is some give, but it is pretty tight.
Do I have it too loose or too tight at this point?

THanks

 

A belt tension gauge is used on belts, not a torque wrench. I've never had or used a belt tension gauge. U want the belt to be as loose as possible without belt squeal. Adjusting the belt tighter than it needs to be places unnecessary load on the accessory bearings.

FWIW, the belt is adjusted by loosening the bolt in the center of the idler pulley 1st, then turn the adjustment bolt in/out to adjust belt tension, then snug up the center bolt in the idler pulley. Repeating these steps and turning the adjustment bolt in very small increments each time will get the belt just tight enough to not squeal but not excessively tight.

 

Sorry for my lack of technical knowledge.
That sounds like much more of a levelheaded approach then just tightening the **** out of it like some people have recomended. I think I have the right tension now. Thanks

 

Do like djb383 said. Also you might want to check all of the pulleys and the bearings to find the clicking sound. With a little luck it is nothing. Also, What ever you do, DO NOT use any belt dressing on your belt. It is not made for serpentine belt and it will ruin the belt and cause premature failure of the belt.

 

I am thinking and hoping that the clicking was just because my dumb-*** forgot to loosen the idler pulley bolt before I cranked the tensioner bolt a few more times, i immediately loosened it back up and have not heard it since. Rookie mistake...
I need to get a wrench that will fit down in there so that I dont have to pull the electric fan out every time, my socket wont fit

Thanks for the help guys

 

Yeah, That center bolt can be a pain in the a$$.
I have a feeling that the clicking sound was like you said just being over tighten. Just keep an ear open for it to come back. Hopefully it won't.

 

If you can find a socket that gets in there let me know bc loosening that center pulley bolt seems impossible without removing the e fan.

 

Plus the efan takes what, 2 bolts that are located near the top and very easily accessible? Or 2 screws if you replaced em like in my case. Really simple if you ask me...