UPDATE: Found out it is the idler pulley (it came apart some how).


Hi everyone,

I have looked everywhere for the answer to what this sound is:


I don't know if it is a belt since they usually squeal/squeak. Do you know?

I took it to Moab last weekend and it started after I climbed a hill called Scary Hill on the 3D trail (I beat it up pretty bad before that particular climb).

Thank you so much!

1995 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

 

Thanks for the update.

And Welcome!

 

Thanks KingFisher. I went to the parts store and bought a new idler pulley and a serpentine belt. Replaced them both and now my XJ is back to normal.

 

Spark flying from the idler pulley at 0:18 sec! Definitely a bad pulley.

 

I think a new upper radiator hose is about $12

 

Thanks SuperRA . . . I didn't even see the spark. That explains all of the metal shavings and bearing parts in my engine compartment. I replaced the idler pulley and serpentine belt.

DFlinstone—does it look like I need a new radiator hose? My XJ is a lot like the Johnny Cash song where he takes one part of a Cadillac home at a time and builds a new car . . . except I am buying all my parts. $12 doesn't sound too bad.