Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: Brynjaminjones on May 16, 2013, 01:16:04 PM

Title: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: Brynjaminjones on May 16, 2013, 01:16:04 PM
Just a quick question - the serpentine/fan belt on my XJ is squeaking. Not like a constant squeal, more of a squeak squeak squeak as if with every revolution.

I trickled some water on it and that shut it up. Does this just mean that it's too loose, or could it still be something else?
Just how tight should I make it - I've read the rule of how you shouldn't be able to twist it more than 90 degrees - should I just stick to that?
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: wildwood on May 16, 2013, 02:21:52 PM
the one on the 1 Tonne does that when started up and like you it stops when a drop or two of water is sprayed..... OK when used on an event and then .......squeaks at home...... Changed belts and still did it after sitting.
In my case the vehicle is in a dusty workshop sometimes with hood open and reckon it is the dryness and dust that causes this....
If you have a wheel that is not part of the mech......as. In the YJ that has a pulley sitting by itself where there should be a AC compressor then maybe. That needs a bit of lube.
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: bgbazz on May 16, 2013, 02:55:45 PM
There used to be a product in a spray can which was specifically designed to stop a squeaking belt, but I haven't seen it for a while.
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: donk498 on May 16, 2013, 03:22:14 PM
There used to be a product in a spray can which was specifically designed to stop a squeaking belt, but I haven't seen it for a while.

Yep
http://www.onlinebearings.co.uk/rocol-belt-dressing-spray-pr-16314.html

Probably just needs nipping up a bit though.
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: bgbazz on May 16, 2013, 03:24:00 PM
That's the one.
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: Brynjaminjones on May 16, 2013, 03:37:54 PM
I tightened it, which didn't seem to make much difference, but I stopped as I wasn't comfortable doing it any tighter!

I'll get someone to had a look at Harptree this weekend
:003:

Also, a guy doing some work on our house said he's got some of that belt dressing stuff - he's going to bring it over for me on Monday 8-)
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: Lukemagnum on May 16, 2013, 08:44:23 PM
As you describe it as regular squeak, I would firstly look for a dry bearing on one of the pulleys, particularly the adjuster pulley. If so then belt dressing would make no difference, but the splash of water could be lubing it until it drys off.

Also, if the squeal is being caused by the belt slipping, it's normally more pronounced when under load - the air con on or switching on all your electrical items to put a high load on the alternator.
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: MOCAJ on May 16, 2013, 08:52:51 PM
agreed, it could be that. I have replaced a couple over the years.

When its squeaking spray the bearing only with a straw type adaptor on your wd40 can. If it stops theres your culprit. No need to replace the whole pulley, just press the bearing out and replace with new from your local bearing shop.

I have the number somewhere and have posted it somewhere on here before.
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: gazjeep on May 17, 2013, 12:30:08 AM
Yep, had this on the TJ, WD40 works for a time, replaced the pulleys, got them from carlos, cheap & quick  :icon_winkle:
Title: Re: Serpentine belt squeak
Post by: Dave69 on May 22, 2013, 07:35:46 PM
As said above take a look at the idler pully bearing as it may be dry. WD40 just evapourates quickly and the squeak returns. Replace the pully or press out the suspect bearing and replace