Noisy serpentine belt

[sydbro]

My 02 KJ has 102K and now I only drive it when I go off road. I havent driven it since the end of June and not really much at all this year. I started it up today just to make sure the battery wasnt dead. When I did, the belt was really loud. I think its just because its been sitting for awhile but I just wanted a second opinion. The belt is the original belt if that makes a difference. Thanks for any help.

 

[flair1111]

IMO it was because it was sitting for awhile. If it was me, i would change that belt out since its got 102K on it. i think my wifes belt was around $20? It wasnt much and it was very simple to change. took 2 minutes literally. ild hate for it to break and leave you stranded being that worn.

 

[tjkj2002]

You should change the serp belt and tensioner at 60,000 miles,they both wear at the same rate.That serp belt brakes and you lose everything.At over 100,000miles your belt is stretched at it's limit,cracked,and dry rotted and could break at anytime.I change my belt and tensioner every 30,000 miles and keep the old stuff as spares,which I carry in my KJ at all times.

 

[ShafferNY]

Buy a Goodyear Gatorback. They're worth the little bit extra money.

 

[sydbro]

I hadnt thought much about the tensioner. Wouldnt there be visible signs of wear?

 

[tjkj2002]

I hadnt thought much about the tensioner. Wouldnt there be visible signs of wear?

If your referring to the tensioner,no there will not be since it's the internal spring that wears out.

 

[sydbro]

Ok...so I will assume I have exceeded the the life span of the tensioner. Is this a part I have to get at the dealership? Is there a way to check the exsisting tensioner to see if replacement is needed?

 

[tjkj2002]

Ok...so I will assume I have exceeded the the life span of the tensioner. Is this a part I have to get at the dealership? Is there a way to check the exsisting tensioner to see if replacement is needed?

GoodYear and Dayco make aftermarket tensioners,both are good(about $50-$100).No way to test the tensioner,just replace it when you replace the belt.I have replaced some that I took the belt off without any tools,they were that worn,and had less then 100,000 miles.

 

[sydbro]

Thanks for the help....now I know how to do it right

 

[flair1111]

You should change the serp belt and tensioner at 60,000 miles,they both wear at the same rate.That serp belt brakes and you lose everything.At over 100,000miles your belt is stretched at it's limit,cracked,and dry rotted and could break at anytime.I change my belt and tensioner every 30,000 miles and keep the old stuff as spares,which I carry in my KJ at all times.

how much are the tensioners? I didnt change that. My bad.


edit....
just read the entire thread..$50-$100 i see. Ill change that next week.