I have a 2000 TJ with the 4.0ltr. Here’s my problem, recently the automatic serpentine belt tensioner pulley went south and took the belt with it, OK no biggie there, however when I replaced the pulley and belt (Goodyear Gatorback) I got a belt squeal about 2 days after I installed it. When I checked the belt I noticed that the belt hangs off the end of the tensioner pulley by about 1/8” towards the radiator side but yet has about ¼” of pulley on the engine bock side. I was wondering if this was just normal and I never noticed it before. Anything I’ve learned and have heard regarding belt tracking says no belt should hang off a pulley, I tried a new after market replacement tensioner but it appears to track just about the same, there is no spacer for this tensioner it only has 2 locating pins on the back that go into the block, I still have intermittent squeal it comes and goes with no apparent criteria as to when it will squeal, sometimes it can go for a few days before I hear it and no it's not bearing noise just in case you were wondering. Any information or help would be greatly appreciated as this one has me stumped????

Thanks to all and I wish you all a very safe and Happy Holiday!

Bill

Hi Bill. I have 2 01 TJs' and both belts track on the pulley without hanging over.
You may know this but in an effort to help, here I go.
You say the belt squeals which would seem to indicate not enough tension on the belt. Here's a thought. What I'm wondering is if maybe the belt you have is a bit too long and has allowed the tensioner to expand to it's outer limit. When the tensioner expands and is not able to put the correct tension on the belt, this could do two things. First, allow your belt to squeal and second, it may be going off track when expanding and give the appearance of a misaligned belt.
On the side of the tensioner where the pivot bolt is and in fairly plain view, you should have some raised lines (belt wear indicators) on the housing. There will be one on the stationary side(motor side) and then 3 on the rotational(pulley) side. 2 lines on the pulley side will be maybe a 1/8"-1/4" apart with a third about 3/4"-1" away. If the single line falls between the two lines close together, this indicates a good or new belt. The closer it gets to the 3rd line indicates belt wear and replacement before it gets to the third line.
I would check these lines and make sure you have the right size belt first.
Hope this helps and Have a Merry Christmas. Joe.