Xk8 tensioner jumping
Discussion
Hello everyone, new here and just hoping someone may be able to help with a current issue with my 97 xk8
About a month ago restricted performance light came on which I duely ignored, it was back off the next time I started the engine no odd noises or anything suspect.
Then last week when turning a corner the steering got suddenly heavy and on came the battery warning. On opening the bonnet the drive belt was in sheds.
Closer inspection the idler pulley had gone- oops there was a few broken bits left.
Replaced the pulley and the belt (actually relatively straight forward with 2 pairs of hands),
thought it was systems go but on starting up there is now a "Kerrr clunk" noise and the tensioner pulley jumps, it happened in a rhythm for around a minute then settled down, belt appears to be running fine it started smooth the next time and then today again it's back to clunking with the tensioner jerking. Any experience of this?
Is it a case of a new tensioner or could something else be seizing causing the tensioner to jerk?
I feel fairly confident the new idler is fitted correctly and the belt is in the groves.
Alternator was replaced last year and in general the car runs well.
Any suggestions gratefully recieved.
About a month ago restricted performance light came on which I duely ignored, it was back off the next time I started the engine no odd noises or anything suspect.
Then last week when turning a corner the steering got suddenly heavy and on came the battery warning. On opening the bonnet the drive belt was in sheds.
Closer inspection the idler pulley had gone- oops there was a few broken bits left.
Replaced the pulley and the belt (actually relatively straight forward with 2 pairs of hands),
thought it was systems go but on starting up there is now a "Kerrr clunk" noise and the tensioner pulley jumps, it happened in a rhythm for around a minute then settled down, belt appears to be running fine it started smooth the next time and then today again it's back to clunking with the tensioner jerking. Any experience of this?
Is it a case of a new tensioner or could something else be seizing causing the tensioner to jerk?
I feel fairly confident the new idler is fitted correctly and the belt is in the groves.
Alternator was replaced last year and in general the car runs well.
Any suggestions gratefully recieved.
Mark the belt with Tippex or a blob of white paint - anywhere will do. Then start up under the circumstances the noise occurs whilst watching the belt. If it occurs regularly in time with the belt revolution then change the belt, if not and it's occurring randomly remove the belt and see if any rotating component it drives has a tight spot.
Another method is try a puff or two of talcum powder on the belt whilst it's rotating. If that stops it - probably only temporary, but you never know - then again fit a new one. You also can clean the working face of the belt with a wire brush whilst it's running to strip any contamination that might be causing slip or noise but choosing to do so or not will depend on how much you value your fingertips...
Another method is try a puff or two of talcum powder on the belt whilst it's rotating. If that stops it - probably only temporary, but you never know - then again fit a new one. You also can clean the working face of the belt with a wire brush whilst it's running to strip any contamination that might be causing slip or noise but choosing to do so or not will depend on how much you value your fingertips...
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