Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Gorg on June 14, 2011, 04:54:38 PM

Title: Cherokee Noise
Post by: Gorg on June 14, 2011, 04:54:38 PM

Tried to start my '99 Cherokee this afternoon after its been sitting for 3 weeks while ive been away. When i started it, it seems to turn over but its makes quite a fuss, namely a very loud and on going squeal, i didnt leave it on for long for fear that ill damage something. Anyone have any suggestions or questions for a proper diagnosis?

I dont have much mechanic know-how and im not too keen on getting it towed and serviced by a mechanic seeing that i just got back home, but its not out of question as i do need it for work soon.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Cherokee Noise
Post by: 03Jeeper on June 14, 2011, 05:03:31 PM

Possibly be the drive belt or some surface rust on the pulleys? Could be a bad bearing in the idler pulley, alternator, power steering.

Title: Re: Cherokee Noise
Post by: Gorg on June 14, 2011, 05:12:29 PM

The belt doesnt move when its been started, not sure if i should use an oil or what-not or try to move things by hand.

Title: Re: Cherokee Noise
Post by: slimbeam on June 14, 2011, 05:22:53 PM

Loosen off the belt and try to turn the different pulleys by hand and see  what is seized, if thebelts not turning at all it probably needs tightened or replaced  if its wore a spot around a pulley

Title: Re: Cherokee Noise
Post by: Gorg on June 14, 2011, 08:11:11 PM

Yah im gonna sleep on it, havent slept for a solid 2 days. Thanks for the info guys ive got a good idea of what to do now.

Title: Re: Cherokee Noise
Post by: JackstandJohnny on June 14, 2011, 10:31:10 PM

what do you mean 'the belt doesn't move when i start it'  do you mean the belt is not moving on the pulleys while the engine is running?

how long did you run it for?  belts squeel sometimes. the vehicle is 12 years old.......... its what some would call a quirk ;)

how tight is the belt? 

Title: Re: Cherokee Noise
Post by: Gorg on June 15, 2011, 08:56:26 AM

The engine pulley spins and makes a nice burning smell, as it rubs the belt i assume.

I ran it just a few seconds at a time maybe 10 times, im not sure what would break if i leave it on. Haha, Yah it has a few of those.

Im not sure how to answer, how do i check that?

Title: Re: Cherokee Noise
Post by: JackstandJohnny on June 15, 2011, 09:00:26 AM

pop the hood and fire it up.  find the screech. if it goes away, drive the jeep.

i'm guessing you have a siezed idler pulley and thats why it stinks and is squeeling.  watch all your pulleys on the engine. if one is not moving, or is wobbly, or grinding,et you know. 

to test your belt tension, press on the belt. you should not get more than 1/2" of movement.