Its a beautiful day, so when I got home from work I thought I'd go for a short spin in the XJ-S. I started it up and there was a squeaking sound that it hasn't made before. It doesn't sound great, so I took a short video and turned the car off. I'm suspecting the AC compressor. It seemed to be in that area, but it could be any of the other belt driven accessories as well. Anyone able to pinpoint it for me? Its an '87 if it makes a difference.


If you're not sure what I'm on about, compare to the same engine recorded in September.

 

First thing to do is check all your hose tensions.
If they are all good it could be the vibration damper.

 

Fan belt squeak.

Mine do that when unused for a while, sound like Crickets at mating time.

Let them warm up, the belts, not the crickets, and once the rubber softens they usually shut up.

Moral, use it more.

If it stays squeaky, the belt is past its use by and replacement is needed.

You are right, the A/C is the culprit on all mine.

Sometimes a SMALL tighten of the belt sorts that noise, sometimes not.

 

A few mists of WD 40 as the belts are turning works wonders.

 

If it’s just the belts that’s great! I replaced them last fall and they may be a bit loose. I’ll check the tension and see if that helps. I’ve got a few more systems to go through before I really am able to use it lots, but I don’t intend to let it sit once it’s sorted.

 

small vacuum leak?

 

Could the harmonic balance have gone bad?