bdub

Hey guys,

Drove my xj to work and i'm noticing a constant squeaking sound and I'm wondering if this is a sign that the water pump may be going out? I don't think its the fanbelt because the squeaking is constant. I haven't noticed any leaking coolant or anything like that yet. Ideas? Is it a hassle to put one of these things on?

btw, its a 1990 xj, 4.0, stock, 196,000 miles.

Abovetimberline

They are easy to change,I would check your pump,and idler,also just poor a little water on the belt while it is running and see if the noise goes away,if it does it is the belt.

98 JeepJeep

Normally water pumps leak when they go out........I would check all the idler pulleys and the belt tensioner........

bdub

come to think of it, the idler pulley was screeching alittle bit awhile back, but it would go away after it warmed up. I'll check it out, thanks!

PolarXJ

x2 on the pulley. Then check the water pump. There is a small port on the bottom of the water pump, like 98 Jeepjeep stated the leak when they go out. Sometimes its very little.

bdub

well, had a buddy tell me bout trying something and i sprayed alittle windex on the belt while running and it stopped squeaking for a few seconds and then started back squeaking... I'm guessing the belt then? Thing is, I don't really see any cracks or damage to the belt? How do you release tension on a 90 xj serpentine belt?

redrunner

Loosen the power steering pump. Bolts are on both the front and back of the pump. The adjustment bolt is located on the lower side of the pump right in the middle. Look over the pump carefully the bolts are some what difficult to find. Have fun!