Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

2.5l Serpentine/accessory Belt Squeal

MountainGoat

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Apr 9, 2025
Messages
14
Location
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Howdy! I just finished replacing the timing chain on my 2.5l and about a week after reassembly, the belt started to squeal. I noticed that it didn't matter the outside temp, but mainly happened when the car was at operating temp. It has an intermittent tea-kettle like squeal that will last about 10 to 30 seconds. It likes to do it when going uphill, but it will do it on flat ground at about 45mph in 4th (and downhill at 60+ mph). I then had the belt split lengthwise on me yesterday (there's a chance that it's unrelated because the belt was really old). I replaced it today with a brand new, but it didn't fix any of the squealing. It squealed under all the same conditions as the old belt. It didn't squeal before the timing chain replacement.

I'm thinking it's something to do with the tensioning, but I'm not too sure. Any tips for properly tensioning and/or diagnosis?
 
Spray a little water on different pulleys and see if you can isolate where the noise is coming from...

-Mac
 
It's been years since I've had a 2.5 in my Jeep but isn't there an adjustment for the pulley tensioner? I seem to remember that as opposed to there being a automatic tensioner like other engines.

Have you looked at the FSM for the correct tension adjustment?

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ice-manuals-fsm-technical-documentation.4618/

And yes Mac's advice is sound also. It's a good way to isolate where the noise is coming from.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator