I am probably going to buy a 2001 XJR with 22k miles tomorrow. That owner said he heard a bit of squeak coming from the blower a few days ago and he cut the belt so as not to damage the blower. He tells me (and I see on the boards) that there are front bearing rebuild kits on E Bay for a reasonable amount. I have not been able to find them. Can anyone get me a link to one of these kits? He also say's it is OK to drive the car without the blower belt in place, is that true? Thanks for the help. W

 

a) has it really done 22k? I ask as the supercharger is a simple thing with units covering ten times that distance without issue. Maybe this could be the point, not being used has caused a dry bearing, not in the charger, but either the idler pulley or tensioner, both are connected to the charger by the belt, and can make it 'sound' like the charger is making the noise.....
b) you really need to fit a belt, to diagnose where the noise is coming from, either a long screwdriver held against the ear, or an engineer's stethoscope, hold the end against pulley bolt heads while the engine is running to confirm where the noise is coming from. If you don't do this, this is the process a good shop will carry out.

My gut feeling on this is the idler pulley bearing has dried, and makes a hell of a noise. I've recently fixed two, by pressing out the old bearing from the pulley and replaced it with an SKF explorer bearing for a couple of pounds/euros/dollars, I'll be posting a how to on this in the next few days as it's the most common problem of the system. I mention this as Jaguar don't supply the part, they now supply 4 parts, belt, idler pulley, tensioner pulley and bracket, all for over £200/$300. My fix is £2/$3.

A bearing kit and charger rebuild kit is a last resort, and if it's an issue with the charger, it's usually a coupler, then the charger makes a coffee grinder noise, not a squeak or squeal.

 

Useful info! I will get a belt and see what it is. Beautiful car you have there!
The guy used to own a Jag shop in SoCal and it sounds like he knows what he is talking about. The car does look like a 22k mile car. I have worked as a hobbyist on cars my whole life and professionally wrenched motorcycles for 10 years so I have a good basic understanding of this stuff. It's just Jag particulars I need to learn. This guy says 2001 Jags have 3rd gen secondary cam tensioners...true? This car has the hot rod blower pulley improved intercoolers, Flow Master exhaust w X pipe, Dynos at around 500hp new Koni's and a bunch of other stuff. It was hit lightly in rear and has new tail lamp and trunk and a (horrors) a salvage title, but priced at under $7000 I thinks it is a deal.
Thanks again W

 

@W.....

This guy says 2001 Jags have 3rd gen secondary cam tensioners...true?

Only if the engine number is post 18 August 2001. If not it's a plastic fantastic time bomb....

This car has the hot rod blower pulley improved intercoolers,

Scrap what I said above, now we have the info to suspect the supercharger. It could well be he's telling it how it is, the charger needs work.

Bearing/couplers can be bought off ebay, just put in Eaton supercharger

Thanks again W - no problem, you're welcome, now hit the thanks button.

 

Heres a list of parts suppliers to completely rebuild the Eaton

For Eaton Superchargers - Superchargers Parts / Repair Kits

Rolling Performance Home

ZZ Performance

Any further help needed please contact me

 

please don't forget

 

Well after close examination of the XJR I found it was hit front and rear. The front twice and the car pulled to the right. It also had a non smog legal exhaust. 22K miles were true, but I couldn't go with the damage. You get what you pay for. I suppose $6450 was a reasonable price, but to much of a gamble for me....RATZ.
Thanks for all your help!
Here is the link to the car, if you are interested, it is in Carlsbad CA USA
2001 Jaguar XJR 28100 miles
2001 Jaguar XJR 28100 miles - $6420 (323) 423 - 2020 Matthew
WT

 

Sounds like a can of worms.

 

Sounds like you dodged a bullet there. The owner does not strike me as being entirely ethical in his disclosures.

 

There is a Happy Ending to this thread. I bought a beautiful 2000 XJ8 1 owner car. I am happy! Now I just have to see if the tensioners were attended to. If I can figure out how to post a photo I will do so.
Thanks to all
WT

 

Having read the directions on how to post a photo...here goes.
Well that was easy.
Cheers
WT

 

Good for you , happy safe driving ,dandy ride