Belt noise

[Sals 03tj]

Hello all, I’ve had a frustrating belt squeal for about 2yrs now. I’ve changed everything and can’t get rid of it. I’ve had 3 different belts, changed the idler pulley, belt tensioner, power steering pump, and alternator. The noise continues. It does go away when I remove the belt and run the engine without it. The only thing that makes it go away is this protectant spray called aerospace 303. But it’s a temporary thing. Here’s a clip of the engine running from a year ago. The components have been changed since. Any info is appreciated.

 

[hear]

How much tension do you have on it? Are you able to isolate where the squealing is happening?

 

[Sals 03tj]

How much tension do you have on it? Are you able to isolate where the squealing is happening?

There’s no adjustment at the tensioner.

 

[Sals 03tj]

There’s no adjustment at the tensioner.

I’ve used a stethoscope and can’t pickup where it’s coming from.

 

[hear]

There’s no adjustment at the tensioner.

I don't understand what this means.

 

[macleanflood]

I don't understand what this means.

2003 is a spring tensioner and not like the earlier models where you tightened the bolt next to the water neck. The kind with a 3/8 or 1/2 hole you put a breaker bar into to release.

Do you have AC? My AC clutch went out and squealed.

Also could be the crank pulley. 20 year old rubber center checks, cracks and fails.

And all of my pulleys on my 97 were full of junk. I spent a lot of time with a pick cleaning out grooves and polishing out nicks and burrs.

What brand of belt are you using?

-Mac

 

[YonderNorthwest]

Could also be coolant leaking onto the belt. Any sign of seepage around your thermostat & water pump? I had a persistent squeak that was cured by replacing thermostat housing.

 

[Sals 03tj]

I don't understand what this means.

I know the earlier model TJ's had an adjustable tensioner by the power steering pump, mine does not. That was what I was referring to. I'm not sure if there's any other adjustment for the belt anywhere.

 

[hear]

2003 is a spring tensioner and not like the earlier models where you tightened the bolt next to the water neck. The kind with a 3/8 or 1/2 hole you put a breaker bar into to release.

TIL. I've only ever had 97-2002's

 

[Sals 03tj]

2003 is a spring tensioner and not like the earlier models where you tightened the bolt next to the water neck. The kind with a 3/8 or 1/2 hole you put a breaker bar into to release.

Do you have AC? My AC clutch went out and squealed.

Also could be the crank pulley. 20 year old rubber center checks, cracks and fails.

And all of my pulleys on my 97 were full of junk. I spent a lot of time with a pick cleaning out grooves and polishing out nicks and burrs.

What brand of belt are you using?

-Mac

I do have AC. The sound doesn't change whether its on or off. From time to time I cleanup all the pulleys due to the spray I add. I guess I could get under there and see if it may be coming from those 2 spots. Thanks.

 

[Sals 03tj]

Could also be coolant leaking onto the belt. Any sign of seepage around your thermostat & water pump? I had a persistent squeak that was cured by replacing thermostat housing.

No, no leaks at all.

 

[macleanflood]

I do have AC. The sound doesn't change whether its on or off. From time to time I cleanup all the pulleys due to the spray I add. I guess I could get under there and see if it may be coming from those 2 spots. Thanks.

You could also get a non AC belt and bypass the compressor.

Water also helps...you can spray down each pulley and see if the noise changes.

-Mac

 

[hear]

You could also get a non AC belt and bypass the compressor.

Bro get out of my head. I was going to suggest that, but figured it would be viewed as too crazy.

 

[Foxhound67]

Inspect your crank pulley too, when I bought my TJ it had a belt squeak that was caused by the 2 piece pulley separating and misaligning the belt on the other accessories

 

[Unique Username]

Welp, this somewhat applies. I have a 91 XJ that I had the same issue with. When I purchased it the PO installed a new water pump. I was always a little suspect of this, but I let it.
The dang thing would squeak inconsistently no matter what I did, belt, P/S pump, alternator, AC compressor. 1 day it over heated. I replaced the pump and the noise has been gone ever since and no more heating issues.

 

[Sals 03tj]

You could also get a non AC belt and bypass the compressor.

Water also helps...you can spray down each pulley and see if the noise changes.

-Mac

Thanks Mac, that's exactly what it was. I installed the non AC equipped belt and bingo!! Noise went away. Who needs AC anyway. mystery solved. Thank you everyone.

 

[macleanflood]

Thanks Mac, that's exactly what it was. I installed the non AC equipped belt and bingo!! Noise went away. Who needs AC anyway. mystery solved. Thank you everyone.

So I know my hearing is going because my AC squealed and I didn't notice until someone told me...

-Mac

 

[Sals 03tj]

So I know my hearing is going because my AC squealed and I didn't notice until someone told me...

-Mac

Lol.

 

[AndyG]

The harmonic balancer typically can be seen failing and the belt will wear on the outer edges more if it is-

Isolating with different size belts is a better diagnostic approach than a parts cannon.

 

[bucky]

I get the same thing on my YJ after installing a high capacity alternator and the battery is low or I have all the KC hilites on for a while. I carry a can of Belt Dressing along with a can of Wire Dry in the center console.