Squeeling can happen when the belt is too tight, not just too loose.

But if the waterpump is on its way out, it'll still cause squeeling.

Be sure the water pump is still good, then go from there.

You shouldn't just change the pully, replace the entire pump if you have to.

 

Ok I will try and loosen the belt some and see if that helps. How can I check to see if the water pump is not running like it should?

 

How old is the water pump?

 

Most have a weep hole that drip coolant if the water pump goes bad.

But that doesn't always happen.

 

Pretty sure its the original. 91 cherokee

 

Sounds like it's on borrowed time to me.

 

X2

 

dont like the sound of that. is the water pump hard to replace? or would it just be easier to take it to a shop to have it done?

 

Pretty much everything under the hood of an XJ is pretty easy to replace IMHO.

Its easier with the radiator out, though.

 

1. I would take the belt off and look at the condition of each pully. any dents, cuts, openings, pitting can cause a squeak.

2. Alignment of pulleys

3. bad bearing in water pump, but pump could still not leak.

I had a similar issue that took 2 months to resolve!!! and go figure a ford quicklane tech found it. bad power steering pulley. It had some dents and was seperating in the grooves. And this was all after going through 4 belts, 3 idlers, 2 water pumps. thankfully most of those got swapped under warranty, but still stunk to do!!!!!! I can now replace the whole coolig system in the cherokees in 1.5 hours lol

 

I wouldn't use belt dressing its just masking the problem, The belt is the noise. When you start it up and there is a squeal but gets quieter when warmed up the belt is to loose. If it is quite when first started then gets louder its to tight. I would tighten it so that it is a tight as you can get it then start to loosen it until you can turn the power steering pump buy hand, then adjust from there. Trust me it took me a wile of adjusting the very touchy belt tension to get mine to stop squealing.

 

x2

Can you believe someone once suggested I use ground up cat litter to quiet a belt? I wanted to slap the guy!

I've never done it this way and I've never had any problems. I would think getting it as tight as possible prematurely stretches the belt. I usually tighten until there is an inch or so of total play, then test. If it squeals at all, then go a bit tighter.

 

I do think I made the belt worse by spraying the belt conditioner on there, cause now it just seems kind of sticky(same with the idler pulley)... I haven't re-tightened or loosened up the belt yet, haven't had time, but I will try these suggestions probably Friday night and if none work, I'm just going to take it to a shop to have it looked at on Saturday. I did drive it for an hour straight today to see if maybe I can wear it in there and let it kind of fix itself.... Will see how it is when I start it in the morning. Thanks for the advice and opinions. I'll give an update next time I try something on it.

 

may have found the problem?! not sure if you can see, but there is a chip on the p/s pulley. would that be a cause of a squealing noise?? it didnt squeal before the new belt but i think cause that belt was worn down...