Greetings all,


Been some time since last posting here. That's good and bad I guess ;-) Good because the XJ has been reliable, bad because I like helping out the community where and when I can! Anyway, since winter kicked in (TX winter that is... but we have been experiencing way too many freezing degrees days for Austin....), if the car is not driven for a couple of days and weather has been cold, there is a loud double "CLACK" noise that repeats every 2 seconds or so, to eventually space out to going away when engine warmed up. Originally thought it was related to A/C compressor and didn't really bother. This week-end, the noise was back (I was out on a biz trip for a week, hence car didn't run), and decided to have a look. The serpentine belt was going back and forth (sort of) and that's my 'CLACKing' noise. Subsequently, the serpentine belt started to deteriorate and filaments started flapping all over. Immediate shut off, went to get new belt and replaced within minutes (really not difficult). So my question here : What the h___ is going on with the tensioner? Do I need to consider replacing it? What's the relation to the cold? Thanks in advance. Cheers.

 

If you're going to the trouble of taking off the fans (I took off the entire hood as well, which makes for excellent access) you might as well do the belt, the tensioner (Gates 39049, about $70), and the idler pulley. Then you might think about doing the water pump while you're in there. While the belt is off, check all the items driven by the belt are turning smoothly.

 

Just had the same problem. I replaced the tensioner and pulley and the idler pulley, along with a new belt. No problem since. The cold weather seems to have brought the problem on

 

Thanks for replies. How difficult is it to replace those items referenced (excluding belt which is a slam dunk). Assuming not too bad once hood and fans removed?

 

Correct

 

It's not too bad with just the fan pack removed. I just replaced the water pump, tensioner, thermostat and idler that way....it isn't a problem at all.

Removing the bonnet makes for even more room but you can certainly reach everything with it installed...

 

No need to remove the hood. The fans and shroud is very quick to remove - jus watch the small coolant lines as you lift out the shroud

 

Don't need to remove fans either. Both tensioner and belts are easy access. Whole job should take about fifteen minutes once you have the right tools lined up (sketch your belt routing to make a fast replacement). Easier to replace the idler pulley with the fans off, however. If replacing the idler, make sure you buy the right type (apparently, changed design off and on over the years). The local dealer can look up your car from the last five of the vin and assure you have right idler and belt matchup. Their price on tensioners are outrageous.

 

Yes, I can't really recommend taking the hood off. It comes off easily, but getting it back on was a bitch. Somehow, I didn't scratch the paint, but it was more by luck than skill.