Installed new motor belt now getting a squeaking noise from motor until I drive for a bit then it stops. Any ideas ??

 

too tight? too loose?

 

What about a loose pulley. How do I check ?

 

Take off belt
Inspect all pulleys
Idler
Pwr steering
Alternator
Water pump
Harmonic balancer
Etc.
If you see any play or wobbling replace accordingly.
Always make sure all pulley. Surfaces are clean and smooth
Make sure belt it tight but do not over tighten
Always get a decent belt. Gates usually seem to work well. You dont want one that's all chewed up. And DON'T use belt spray

 

Is it a chirp chirp chirp for a while then stops or is it a squeal for a few seconds and then stops.

Usually, if it makes a noise for a while then stops it's slipping when it's cold. Once it warms up it grips and won't squeal anymore.

That means one of two things.

1. You installed a super cheap belt. Fix this by buying a Gates or Goodyear belt. (I prefer Goodyear Gatorback belts.)

2. The belt isn't tight enough.

 

Chirp chirp then stops after I drive for a bit

 

Mine was not tight enough. Same noise and all that. Twist it halfway between 2 pulleys. If you can turn it 45 degrees, it is too loose. I couldn't believe how tight it had to be. I tightened mine and noise stopped immediately.

 

And I meant 90 degrees. Ah ah. Anyway, you shouldn't be able to twist much.

 

How do you tightened ?

 

What's your year? On my 98 you unscrew the tensioner pulley bolt then tighten the tensioner bolt on the ps bracket.
Do you know where it is? Sorry I don't have a picture to attach.

 

99

 

Ok. Should be the same as a 98. Take a look at the last picture on this thread. You will see the position of the tensioner bolt on the PS bracket. Let me know if that works.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/97-...ne-belt-33034/