4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: alternator noise, jeep wrangler, v belts

Question
Hi Carl
I have a 1995 jeep wrangler 6 cylinder with 50K miles. The other day i noticed that everytime i start the motor the first time. i get a squealing noice that appears to me to be in the alternator, it almost sounds like a dry bearring noise? its seems to charge the battery ok. then after driving it a while it goes away? i replaced the serpentine belt about 10K miles ago.
its been doing this everytime i start the motor?
thanks
Dino

Answer
Dino,

This could still be the serpentine belt.  They do tend to squeal if they are not tight enough.  Check the tension on the belt, as they have to be extremely tight compared to the old v-belts.  You should, also have an idler wheel that rides on the belt.  I have seen the bearings in these go bad and squeal.  There is a chance that a bearing, or bushing may be going out in the alternator also.  See if you can find someone with an automotive stethoscope, and use it to isolate the noise.

  Carl