TJ belt squeak

[saf98tj]

Hi everyone.
I am having trouble diagnosing an engine squeak. I know it’s a belt issue. If I spray water onto the ribbed side of the belt the noise quiets down which typically indicates an alignment issue. I have checked all pulleys and don’t feel any play except for the steering pump. It wobbles minimally. The belt is in good condition. No cracks or glazing. The only thing I have done recently is changed the water pump. How much play is acceptable in the steering pump? Anything else to check? Not sure how to check pulley alignment on a tj.

Thanks
Scott

[MDSRACING398]

If you got any antifreeze on the belt that is your problem

[Frank]

Try taking a bar of soap to the ribs while running . If you should happen to chop your fingers off , My name is really Ken There also is a spray at the parts store for belts. If it was pulley play (PSP) it wouldnt go away. Its belt related and Mark said the antifreeze has a lubricant in it. FjR68

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

For the price of the can of “belt dressing” from the parts store, you might as well just replace the belt. It’s easy enough to do on the TJ, took me 5 minutes, an I hadn’t done it before.

[LoneStarTJ]

probably a stupid question but i never rule out the basics. have you tightened the tension on your belt? the tension-er bolt is below your power steering pump.

[Frank]

Ya live long enough , ya forget the basics ! Good call. I just "ASSumed" it had an auto tentioner . FjR68

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

The 4.0 on the TJ’s all have a manual tensioner. Pretty sure last time I looked, it was tighten the sucker wayyy up, then back it off just slightly. Mine has been fine since I did that, but it wouldn’t hurt to determine actual tension spec.

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

Wait, nevermind. I’m mistaken. I did a belt on an XJ, that didn’t have a tensioner, but now I remember there was one on the TJ.

Just ignore me, sorry.

[saf98tj]

probably a stupid question but i never rule out the basics. have you tightened the tension on your belt? the tension-er bolt is below your power steering pump.

I did loosen and retighten the belt after checking the pulleys and anecdotally it it did seem to quiet down but I haven’t checked it or driven it since, as I have been away on business travel. I will check it today. Thanks


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[Frank]

Hopefully you didnt put the belt on backward ! Dan ? Where did you eat last ????? Im going there ! FjR68

[Baseshakers]

I’ve had the pulley shift slightly on the mount (1/8” or so) which caused a slight misalignment of the pulleys... causing a squeak. This pick is after I took it off and it got much worse but shows you where the pulley separated

[Frank]

Slight !? That looks like its coming off the hub , like a half in or more. Holy smoke , thats just bad quality control or none at all. OLD skool Rules ! FjR68