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I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 that has a serpentine belt squeak that I can’t seem to get rid of. I recently broke a serpentine belt, and a few days after I replaced it, it began having a squeak. It is a faint chirping, not loud and constant, it also seems to get more faint with higher RPM. I replaced both idler and tensioner pulleys. The noise is coming from the drivers side of the engine, from what I can tell, the power steering pump. I removed the belt entirely and checked all of the pulleys for play. I did not find any significant play in any of the pulleys. I experimented with loosening and tightening the tension on the belt, as it is adjustable, neither made a difference. I also used some belt conditioner to see if the noise was coming from the belt, or from a bearing. Made no difference. My next move is to go get a salvage yard power steering pump, and change out the pump. Does anyone have any suggestion of what I could do to know for sure where the noise is coming from? I don’t want to go throwing parts at it until it is fixed. Thank you.
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For 100%, nothing really. Just have to use a mechanic’s stethoscope, rolled up newspaper or whatever to isolate it best you can, then either replace the part outright, or repair it by fixing whatever is causing it from it, bearing or the like on the driven part.
Could I use a long screwdriver and put the tip onto the steering pump, and put it up to my ear? Is there a chance that the belt itself can be causing the noise?
You could, it should translate louder to it, if that’s the part causing the issue, as to say the alternator if you do the same. I’d just be careful, as it’s a bit precarious normally, more so when it’s snapping belts.
It’s a new belt, yes? So long as it matched up to the old in exact length and ribs, which I hope you verified, you’ve replaced the idler and tensioner already. If it’s got good tension, then it’s likely not the belt, unless you got it secondhand.
The last belt just started to fray along the edge, and was whipping around a piece of rubber 6 inches long. It never snapped. After inspecting that belt, I determined that was because of age. Cracked ribs, dry rot, and frayed along the edges. The cause of this squeak is not causing it to eat belts.
If it just started chirping right after replacing the belt, then yeah, it’s possibly not liking the new belt, but the cause might be inline with the previous fraying, something being slightly off. Not necessarily something off with the belt, although I’d probably return it for another brand if you didn’t get an OEM replacement, just to eliminate the possibility. Were it me I’d have likely done this right off, as aftermarket ones can be just as good, but certain ones can not want to play nice.
I’ve yet to have an issue replacing belts with aftermarket ones myself, but I think I’ve just lucked out in not getting any monday-morning-made specials.
The squeak did not start until 4 days (200 miles) after I changed the belt. I am about to go outside and use a long screwdriver or a hammer as a stethoscope to try to pinpoint the noise. I do not have a doubt that the steering pump is the noise. I just wanted to find out for sure before I throw more parts at it. This vehicle has 300k miles on it, its on its 2nd engine and transmission, but the pump is the factory original, so it could have finally kicked the bucket.
If you have (or can rent) a pulley removal kit, you can just replace the bearing if it’s otherwise good. Bearing kits for most of these are dirt cheap.
Jeeps with that engine are really bad for squeaking belts. You have to make sure that all the pulleys line up perfectly. That said, I have never in 45+ years heard a power steering pump itself make a squeaking noise.
If all the pulleys are inline then find yourself a Goodyear Gatorback belt. It won’t squeak.
Well I just went out and used a long handle hammer as a stethoscope and the noise is definitely coming from the power steering pump, I went and drove it around the block and the pump is now making a groaning noise along with the squeak, worse when I turn the steering wheel. The fluid is at the right level. I might add as well. Last weekend, I had the front end torn apart to replace the CV shafts in the front axle. When I turned the steering wheel to both sides to gain access to the bolts, the steering pump pushed a bit of fluid past the cap when the engine was off. I topped off the fluid before I started driving it again. The squeak started a few days after. I changed the belt the same day after that job was complete. I drove for 4 days (200 miles) with no noises or issues. I checked the belt tension, and power steering fluid every night. Now there is a squeak and groaning noises coming from the pump. I will check to make sure all the pulleys are lined up perfectly, but there does not seem to be any adjustment that I could move them in or out if they are out of alignment.
[quote=”mikeywil0003″ post=91422]Well I just went out and used a long handle hammer as a stethoscope and the noise is definitely coming from the power steering pump, I went and drove it around the block and the pump is now making a groaning noise along with the squeak, worse when I turn the steering wheel. The fluid is at the right level. I might add as well. Last weekend, I had the front end torn apart to replace the CV shafts in the front axle. When I turned the steering wheel to both sides to gain access to the bolts, the steering pump pushed a bit of fluid past the cap when the engine was off. I topped off the fluid before I started driving it again. The squeak started a few days after. I changed the belt the same day after that job was complete. I drove for 4 days (200 miles) with no noises or issues. I checked the belt tension, and power steering fluid every night. Now there is a squeak and groaning noises coming from the pump. I will check to make sure all the pulleys are lined up perfectly, but there does not seem to be any adjustment that I could move them in or out if they are out of alignment.[/quote]
Just wanted to share quick my recent experience-I had horrible squealing from my serpentine belt since I bought my car last June. Two weeks ago, I replaced my upper motor (passenger side) mount…no more embarrassing squealing noises AND the vibration is gone. Coincidence? I don’t think so, for my issue. When things are seated or aligned properly, that’s when they perform best.
In terms of alignment, don’t forget to check the brackets that mount the accessories to the engine block. I had a similar squeak in my ’88 chevy truck… pulleys were all tight and quiet, no play in anything with the belt off… BUT when there was tension on the belt, I discovered there was enough play in the power steering mounting bracket to pull it out of alignment. I pulled the belt off, put a washer behind the loose nut for good measure and snugged it up… the noise went away. Just my 2 cents… Hope you can find it. Squeaky belts are a pain.
Yes, alignment is important. In fact I cover that in this video.
In addition to that, I wrote this article on finding and identifying noises.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
It may turn out that you need a power steering pump but it might just be air in the system. Also, it’s very important that you use the correct fluid. If you mix power steering fluid it can cause issues with the steering components. Be sure to check your owners manual for what type of fluid is used. It may also be written on the cap of the pump itself.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I went and put a salvage yard power steering pump in it today, and they gave me a newish belt to try as well. Problem solved. I noticed a lot more play in the pulley on the pump once I had it out, than I did when it was on the engine. Perhaps the pressure of the fluid being in the pump effected how much end play I felt initially. I also noticed that the A/C compressor was shifted back further than the rest of the pulleys, so I just loosened that up and slid it forward. I used a straight edge to line everything up as best as I could. There is very little adjustment for the positioning of the accessories on that engine.
I had no idea that Eric The Car Guy himself would respond to this forum post. Thank you to everyone for pointing me in the right direction. I intend to keep this Jeep for a very long time. It reminds me of Eric’s reliable POS video. Its paid for, and it just keeps running, and they don’t make them like they used to. The only complaint I have about this Jeep is gas mileage, but in the end of the day, this Jeep owes me nothing.
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