Whenever I start my '86 cj-7 i can hear a squeaking sound. I also notice that the rpm's fluctuate while this is going on.I am certain it is coming from one of the pulleys Is this the idler pulley? If not, how do i pinpoint which pulley it is? How hard is it to replace?
Thanks in advance,
Frank
To be sure it's not a belt, squirt on some belt dressing. If the sound goes away or is reduced, its not a pulley.
Robert Bills KG6LMV Orange County CA
Thanks for the reply, I have done that, but the noise seems to surface again.
econof did pass the time by typing:
That's an indication of a couple of things.
I'm going on the belief you have a V belt system. Sure you don't just need new belts. As they wear and as the pulleys wear the belts tend to get sucked further down into the grooves. That makes for the squeeking.
If putting on belt dressing stopped the squeak it's either an old/glazed belt or a pulley is getting worn.
Belts are cheap.
If the noise goes away or is reduced after using belt dressing, even for a few minutes, it is likely the belt is the source of the squealing. I would replace the belt and see what happens. At worst, you will have an emergency spare in case something goes wrong with the new one.
Robert Bills KG6LMV Orange County CA
Its a serpentine belt drive system, the belt is fairly new.
econof did pass the time by typing:
Hmm.. Sometimes pulleys can get out of line, check your vibration damper and see if it's shifted on the rubber isolator.
I've gotten squeeky belts before due to fine dust/salt being packed into the belt. Only fix was a new belt.
The idler pulley can be the source easily. Maybe you can get some oil on the bushing, but I couldn't on the last couple I have seen. Well, I got some WD40 with the straw on it into one and the noise dropped, so it was replacement time.
The replacement part is three different things that have to be ordered separate. The bushing, the washer and the bolt.
A dirty cable end can also make the alternator suck big time and need HP big time after a start so the belt slips. Dressing won't help that.
I test mine by going out with a cold off engine and trying to hand slip the alternator pulley. If I can slip it, it either is loose or it had 'shined' up. The alternator needs several HP to spin up under load and if you can hand spin it, it will slip.
If that is the case, I need a new belt. I go through 3 or more alternator belts a year when I am running mud pits. Mud equals liquid sandpaper and will polish the belt up real sweet.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT'sec>
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.