My XJ kept throwing the fan belt and squeeked constantly like crazy. After I inspected I found that the pully that is behind the metal fan was bent. After some research I found that it was part of the ac comp. mounting bracket and had to bought together. No parts stores offered it and the dealer said it was $269 + tax. So a trip to the junkyard resulted in me finding the exact part i needed in great shape for $4.69, thanks junkyard. Once we started fixing it I realized that the crank shaft pully was going bad too. So after many calls and trips to local parts stores I found that the only way you can find one is by having them look under a wrangler. Same exact part but for an XJ its only a dealer part. Dummies!

Anyways so on to the point, got everything back together and installed a brand new belt. It doesn't have an automatic tensioner so I dont know how tight it needs to be. When first start it, it squeeks for about two seconds and then quits. Does this mean that it is too loose or two tight? Thanks

 

How much deflection does it have when you press down on it between the pullies? Are the pullies lined up? Check it with a straight edge? That may be the cause....

 

tension is adjusted using the power steering pump. Loosen the top bolt, and the bottom slide bolt in the front. (I've also heard about loosening the 2 bolts in the back, but have never needed to) Then there is an adjustment screw/bolt under the pump (with the head pointing toward the air box). Turn the bolt to adjust the tension.

Belt should be able to be pushed down only 1/4" when the pulleys are 12" or so apart, I use the distance between the alternator/ac compressor as the gauge. Tighten the pivot bolts back up after adjustment.

Sounds like yours is too loose.

 

the belt should be able to be turned 90 degrees that is good enough

 

???

How is that a measure of anything?

 

thats old school

 

Um not to sure about the 90 degree thing, but yeah all my pullys line up perfect now and they all spin very freely. I was thinking it was prob to loose also. Just wanted some input before i tightened it.

 

where would i measure to find out if it is 90 degrees?

 

he's talking about twisting the belt 90* to estimate the belt tension. IMO that's not a good test since the belt distances vary between pulleys. The Factory Service Manual recommends the method I outlined in post #3.

 

you try to turn the belt 90degrees at the longest section between two pullys with your fingers you will get the same result the worst thing you can do is make it to tight this will cause premature bearing wear