I have a 94 cherokee 4x4 4.0 on the way to work everything was fine until I stopped at the store. When I started it back up the belt wouldn't stop squealing same with on the way home. I made it about 2 miles up the road and the belt broke so I installed a new one and it still seems to be squealing and somewhere around the alt. Is getting really hot. I've been hearing a noise coming from the front of the engine on that side I assumed it was the clutch fan but now I'm not sure. Could it be the alternator or the water pump? Fast replies would be great

 

Sounds like the alternator, which means your battery is probably whats keeping your truck running.

 

Take the belt off and start spinning pulleys by hand. You may have some pulley bearings going out.

 

I shut it down as soon as it broke so I can't tell if it has drained the battery yet. I was searching to see what it possibly could be and one post described a howling sound that ended up being the water pump. I have a similar sound but no real overheating problems which is another reason I first suspected the noise coming from the fan (before the belt squealing and breaking of course)

 

Check the pulleys by hand as suggested.

Report back.

 

Don't forget to check the idler pulley.

 

Idler pulley has a little play. Never had an alt fail on me how should the pulley feel. Should it spin freely? Should it take a little effort to turn?

 

Should spin freely.

 

Sorry for not completely understanding...I can turn it by hand with very little effort but as soon as I stop physically turning it it stops. Doesn't spin one bit by itsself

 

Is it hot?

 

Yeah when I put the new belt on I only had the car running 30 seconds and it was too hot to touch

 

DING DING DING!!!!!!!!!

 

Would it make that loud howling noise though?

 

Oh yes.