Guys,

Noticed in the last year or so that when I start my 01 XJR up when it's cold that there is a major squeaking sound coming from the front of the engine which goes away when the engine reaches normal running temp. The "dealership" said that it was my pulley - did not specify which one and quoted $1200 to repair. This seems like an awful lot of money for such a minor repair. Car had just over 100k and I average about 4k a year.

Supercharger belt was replaced 2 years ago - could this be at fault? Help!!!!

Steve

 

Sounds like its probably a tensioner bearing or idlers bearing. If you pull the belts off and spin the pulleys freely you probably can ID which one it is. In my case it was the S/C idlers pulley. They mare an entire service kit to replace the pulleys on the S/C due to excsessive belt run our.... this also uses an updated belt that is not backward compatible. In my case I opted not to upgrade, just pounded out the old bearing and put in a new one from the local bearing store...$10 and I was done.

 

You can also spray some belt dressing to make surebits not a worn out belt

 

What this probably is is some fluid (not water) spilled on the belt, or maybe it is one of those bearings. Check the belt, that's what it was on The XK8.

 

Do you smell coolant - This is classic pattern for a failing water pump -- kind of a screeeeech.

You could have a belt slipping -- but that should be easy to figure out. I have no long term luck with belt dressing.

 

Here are some old TSBs for this fault

bob gauff

 

I have the same issue. I believe it has to be the belt that needs replacement because it happens only when it's cold outside and on rainy days. Once it warms up the squeak stops. I had the exact same issue with at least 3 of my other cars in the past and it was always the belt. I would make sure by spraying some water on the belt to see if that stops the noise. (make sure you don't get your hands near that belt while the engine is running)

 

rather than belt dressing, just try a little water. If it is a bearing it should stop when wet, and once it dries no damage and residue to the part.