h0ffers

WTF? Nothing else squeaks. I don't know what I'm doing with this so help and pictures would be sweet.

firstime00XJ

Okay -
Is it a belt squeak when you have the defrost on? Is it the blower motor squeaking? What is squeaking? The Cherokee I just bought has a squeaky belt when the defrost is on and when the A/C is on - which tells me that whenever load is present on the air conditioner compressor, I get a belt sqeak, or what sounds like such. So please, be more specific so we can help you out.

h0ffers

Well I'm pretty sure it's a belt. Cause that's what it sounds like.

firstime00XJ

okay, so it sounds like we both have the same issue. I haven't figured it out yet. On my Cherokee, the belt is tight, so I don't know if it is slipping, or if the air conditioner clutch is going bad...I also have a small fan in front of the compressor, so i don't know if maybe a fan clutch is going bad.

h0ffers

Hmm. Well this isn't any fun. I will have to do some more looking tmrw I guess.

EVcherokee

Try replacing the belt with a new one, once they start to chirp, they usually will'nt stop. You get what you pay for, stick with "Gates" brand belt, Napa and Carquest carry them. When you tension it, they need to be fairly tight, tight enough that you can't twist it more than 90 degrees between the PS pump and the idler. All you have to lose is the possiblity of an extra belt.

I've got a little squeal thats from a vacuum leak on my defrost. its probably from a vacuum actuator, but its not a problem..yet. It just raises my rpm about 75.

When spun by hand(don't try to stop it when the motor is running!) the fan shouldn't rotate more than 1 revolution. Getting warm, or over heating is a symptom of a fan clutch.

I just spent the last month tracking down a squeal under my hood, thought it was the belt, no, an idler pulley, no, a water pump, no, a fan clutch.. turned out to be the harmonic balancer, be sure to check yours. You should be able to see a peice of rubber that goes all the way around the balancer and it shouldn't stick out or recede in. These can cause serious problems. Hope this helps

firstime00XJ

I looked for discoloration caused from excessive heat on the A/C Compressor and on the fan clutch, it appeared normal. I'll have to recheck the belt. Thanks for the help. To the OP, if you find it before me, let me know what you find!

jinxfactory

I had the same problem with my 2001. When there was a load on the AC compressor I would get a loud squeal untill my engine warmed up. Especially while accellerating. Was told later that it was a worn bearing. Since then my battery died and I replaced it only to find out the old one was not rated for my vehicle. The replacement was 'much larger'. Of course now my subwoofer doesn't work, but hey, The squeal is gone! lol
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/200...-squeal-22801/

h0ffers

yea. i will post up my findings which would be awesome if it was today.

fantic238

Tighten the belt, three bolts at the PS pump.

TrekkerJmm

There should also be a belt tension-er under the PS pump. Mine has one 94 and so does my friends 89 and 97...Tj

fantic238

That is well known my friend, in order to operate the tensioner screw you have to loosen three bolts that hold the PS pump (one on the front and two on the back) on the bracket to allow pivoting of it.