JdoubleU

Hello, recently my 99 xj has been making a highpitched squeel noise which i though was the belt, so i replaced the belt, still makes that noise. Sooo I took it to my mechanic and he tells me the water pump is leaking coolant onto the serp belt causing the squeel, does this sound factual to anybody?

puredrive

Noisy Water Pump Bearings could be the issue here.
I have only owned my XJ for a few weeks. But what I have read on here. Seems that the OEM water pump can go out anywhere after 100K.

TBear

Had a similar issue with my 97 XJ very recently. Couldn't tell if it was the pump or the belt. Finally did notice coolant leak coming from the pump, which I was told is the indication of the pump failing. Laboriously put in the new pump, which does not leak, but did have squeal. Tightened the belt and the squeal was eliminated, so all is well!

If you are leaking, you are likely in for a pump, but also pay attention to belt tension.

tjwalker

There is a "weep hole" on the water pump. If coolant is leaking from the weep hole, that is your cue to replace your water pump. Failure to do so can result in catastrophic failure of the water pump, which can result in an overheat and bigger problems............

Replace the pump. Go NEW, never rebuilt or reman here.

97Va

Mine whined from the day I bought it and about 4 months later it started to leak out the wheep hole. Just buy a new one and replace it. Can be done in an hour or so, not difficult. The hardest part for me was getting the steel hose out of the water pump that leads to the heater core.

I'd recommend replacing the thermostat since you'll already be in there and the coolant drained.

tjwalker

Good advice. Go with a 195 degree stat. I buy my stats directly from Jeep and also like the Stant SuperStat.

By all means, stay away from ebay el-cheapo no name stats. They are absolute junk.

mcnslayer

well it seems like everyone has pointed you in the right direction let me know how you make out

97Va

If you have any questions/need any help I've got pictures of the entire remove and install if you need them or can't find them via search.