j33pc1233p

So I have already tried a couple of new serpentine belts on my 97 V8/5.2L ZJ and for some reason I am still getting noise out of my power steering pump at start up (noise goes away once at operating temp). When I have the old & worn belt on there, there is no noise whatsoever. I've tried both an 89 inch and 89.2 inch Duralast belt.

Ol' Blue have you ever had trouble with belts on your 97??

Thanks in advance

Bustedback

Have you replaced the tensionor?

ol"blue

When I replaced the water pump I also replaced the serpentine belt, but I haven't had any problems with it.
Edit: *See my post below.

ol"blue

I just looked at it and the belt has got the following on it: MOPAR 53011097AB 7PK2268 43546A in white.I don't know which of those are the part #, but you can either call the dealer, or have the auto parts cross-reference those numbers.

j33pc1233p

Bustedback: Yes I replaced the tensioner along with the power steering pump in May.

Ol'Blue: Ahhh yes Mopar. I have a strong feeling that will correct my problem once I can track down one of those belts. I'm not sure which of those is the part # either but I will do as you said. Much appreciated!

Thanks for the input gentlemen

ol"blue

I hope you get it straightened out soon.

j33pc1233p

Whata difference a high quality belt makes! After a depressing day and a half of finding Chrysler/Jeep dealerships either shut down or turned into Honda dealerships, I was finally able to locate one and get my belt. I am glad to say she is purring again.

Thanks Ol' Blue! And for future reference the part # was the first group of digits you gave me...53011097AB

ol"blue

I'm glad you got it straightened out. Lots of people don't like the dealer or Mopar parts but I've never got a bad part from them. I'd rather get the correct part the first time. And they're not always a lot higher like some think.

j33pc1233p

What a shame, I thought this was taken care of. The "whine" is no longer at start up...but now I hear it upon acceleration ONLY when my a/c is on. Not all the time though, but obviously there is still something wrong. Also, there is black soot accumulating on the a/c compressor. Could this be an indicator that it is about to give out? Air conditioning seems to be cold, but not really as cold as i would like or that I am used to.

j33pc1233p

any idears?

j33pc1233p

So I have a new theory regarding my belt issue, and Ol"Blue I'd like to ask you a question to see if I am on the right track.

On your 97GC, does the power steering pump pulley align perfectly with the rest of the pulleys on the system? Mine does not, it is a bit at an angle compared to the rest of the pulleys...which are all aligned.

ol"blue

I just checked mine. Mine are all in alignment. Yours might have a problem with the bolts that mount the pump to the head being bent, or something wrong with the pump.

j33pc1233p

Yup thats what I figured. Alright now to correct this issue and cross my fingers that this is the answer to my problems. Thanks once again Ol"Blue!

j33pc1233p

Finally resolved this issue...turns out it was the power steering pump mounting bracket. It had cracked right in half. Got a new one from the dealership which looked a bit more sturdy than the old one. I guess they did a redesign on it because of some issues.

Thanks for the help Ol"Blue

ol"blue

Glad it's resolved, and thanks for posting an update.