When accelerating briskly, above 3k RPMs or so, a harsh screech is heard from the front end. I was told that the pulley on the supercharger is stripped and that is the noise. 2003 XKR, with original belt, 36k miles.

Wondering if anyone here has experienced that and can validate, and more importantly if folks have advice on repair. I understand from my Jag guy that replacement is fairly involved - but that there are superior belts out now as well.

Relatedly, wonder if the repair might be done by a competent Range Rover shop given the engine similarities.

Appreciate thoughts and advice.

 

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XK8/XKR forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

Graham

 

It sounds like the belt is slipping under high load as there's not enough tension on it so it need to be replaced as it will have become polished so loosing it's ability to grip & the tensioner checked in order to ensure it's doing it's job.

 

+1 belt is the most likely cause.

The one thing to watch for is that there are two belt options. The earlier model is single sided, and is easily available from Gates or Goodyear or any number of manufacturers.

There is a later model that Jaguar came up with to alleviate some noise complaints, which is double sided. For that one, the only source (that I know of) is from Jaguar themselves. Same cars got "upgraded" if the owner complained about the noise.

To your last question, it's not a difficult job for any competent shop, the supercharger belt is fairly easy. The serpentine belt (behind the supercharger belt) is the more involved one. A Land Rover shop would know both quite well.

 

It probably is the supercharger belt, but it could be the alternator belt. If it's the alternator it stops screeching after a few minutes (as the battery gets topped up).