Steering hard to turn when ac is on
#1
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Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
Steering hard to turn when ac is on
Starting lately that when I start my jeep up and turn on ac, I start to drive away but the steering wheel is really hard to turn, unless I press on gas then its fine after that.
If I didn't turn on the ac, then it turns fine
I'm wondering if that is indicative that the serpentine belt is getting worn out?
If I didn't turn on the ac, then it turns fine
I'm wondering if that is indicative that the serpentine belt is getting worn out?
#2
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Year: 1999
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Also I would like to add that whenever I turn on ac, the battery gauge always move the needle to negative and "check gauge" always come on.
That's why I figured it was worn belt. Cause the ac clutch is putting more load on the belt, thus making alternator and power steering pump harder to turn?
I did tighten on the tensioner a bit. Doesn't help
That's why I figured it was worn belt. Cause the ac clutch is putting more load on the belt, thus making alternator and power steering pump harder to turn?
I did tighten on the tensioner a bit. Doesn't help
#3
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Either the belt or the alternator. With the belt off, turn the alternator pulley. Should spin free and easy. If not, new alternator time.
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Get a Krikit and check belt tension should be #160ish IIRC. My belt did the same thing Until I set the right tension, it was previously around #100.
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#9
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So today while on my lunch break, I was inside the jeep so I can cool down with ac on while jeeps running....
What happened was that the jeep overheated while idling. Good thing I turned it off in time.
I'm starting to really think that the serpentine belt is to be blamed. I did tighten it 1/4 turn last week. When I touched the belt to check the tension, it was really hot. Is that normal?
What happened was that the jeep overheated while idling. Good thing I turned it off in time.
I'm starting to really think that the serpentine belt is to be blamed. I did tighten it 1/4 turn last week. When I touched the belt to check the tension, it was really hot. Is that normal?
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Need a new belt for sure. Get a Krikit II belt tension gauge as well (8 bucks iirc). The belts on XJ's need to be A LOT tighter than you'd think.
Get a Gates brand belt. IIRC NAPA carries Gates belts.
Also, overheating at idle, all other cooling parts working, indicates a failed mechanical fan clutch. Replace it.
They only last a few years at best, and they're 40 bucks, and cake to replace.
The "spin test" for them is inaccurate at best so just replace it.
While you're at it get a new radiator cap, 16lbs. Good to replace them every 2 or 3 years.
Get a Gates brand belt. IIRC NAPA carries Gates belts.
Also, overheating at idle, all other cooling parts working, indicates a failed mechanical fan clutch. Replace it.
They only last a few years at best, and they're 40 bucks, and cake to replace.
The "spin test" for them is inaccurate at best so just replace it.
While you're at it get a new radiator cap, 16lbs. Good to replace them every 2 or 3 years.