Alternator pulley leaking..

[C.Miller.R]

2020 JTR 47k miles, out of bumper to bumper warranty, dealership is looking at it now, I don’t think I can buy just the pulley, might be a whole new alternator, online price is around $400, so you know the dealership wants double. I don’t think it’s the cooler or oil on belt whipping up, it’s the pulley slinging grease/oil. I’ll keep everyone posted.
1st pic is how I found it, you can see I tried to wiped it on the left.
2nd pic is after a wash and drive around the block, it came back fast, I don’t want to loose any electrical components if the alternator locks up or something,

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[obrianmcc]

Do the pulleys come installed on the alternator ... I just replaced the alternator on a VW and the pulley was a separate line item. If that's the case it would save replacement of the alternator.

 

[C.Miller.R]

It’s not a basic pulley, I’ve herd it has a spring and grease/oil, but it’s a sealed unit, not so sealed anymore. Waiting on more info, dealership wants to see if it’s motor oil leaking from somewhere.

 

[C.Miller.R]

Dealership just called, it’s the pulley bearing going out and I noticed it early, they said it will soon make noise and them ultimately fail. (Replacement of alternator is $500+ with $400+ Labor) I do have time so i decided to pick the JTR up and keep an eye on it.
FYI if you see this now you know it’s not engine oil.
Stay dirty my friends.

 

[AmosMoses]

Wow, I hope you can replace the pulley rather than buy a whole new unit.

 

[C.Miller.R]

I don’t think so, I don’t see a nut and they quoted me on a whole replacement. I bet some 2018 JL owners know more..

 

[CrazyCooter]

Ive never seen a Jeep with a leaking front pulley, but plenty of Japanese vehicles in the shop with a damped pulley that was rattling. Some searching I came up with this?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/litens/litens-decoupler-pulley/ltn0/920080a

 

[Rusty PW]

Ive never seen a Jeep with a leaking front pulley, but plenty of Japanese vehicles in the shop with a damped pulley that was rattling. Some searching I came up with this?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/litens/litens-decoupler-pulley/ltn0/920080a

Now this makes me wonder about charging issues with the batteries on some JL/JT's. Hmmm

 

[coder]

The pullies can be replaced but you would need to find a place that rebuilds starters and alternators (there aren't many around anymore) plus remove the alternator and put it back on yourself.

 

[JJJTR]

2020 JTR 47k miles, out of bumper to bumper warranty, dealership is looking at it now, I don’t think I can buy just the pulley, might be a whole new alternator, online price is around $400, so you know the dealership wants double. I don’t think it’s the cooler or oil on belt whipping up, it’s the pulley slinging grease/oil. I’ll keep everyone posted.
1st pic is how I found it, you can see I tried to wiped it on the left.
2nd pic is after a wash and drive around the block, it came back fast, I don’t want to loose any electrical components if the alternator locks up or something,

Wow this is so crazy I'm currently having the same issue with the exact same oil markings. I just had it towed to the dealership because it wouldn't even start a 2020JTR. I'm currently waiting for a quote and I'm also at 44k miles so hopefully won't be to expensive

 

[Minty JL]

$400 in labor for a 15 minute job......yeah hard pass, do it yourself.

 

[Minty JL]

Here you go.

Basic hand tools and done.......not even a 1 beer job.

 

[Slipshodman]

sorry to revive the thread.

Just had my JTR at the dealer, had a whining sound from the front of the motor that matches engine revs, took it to my local mechanic who thought it was probably the idler pulley next to the alternator.
As the JT is still under warranty booked it in with the dealer, had to wait a month to get in due to time of year etc
Today they assessed it as the alternator bearing and therefore a full alternator replacement under warranty luckily,
But now it will take a couple of weeks to get the part and then a couple more weeks before I can get it booked back in due to they are over booked.
So another month before it gets fixed, it's my daily drive and I have a road trip due before the repair date.
I am just hoping it holds out and doesn't leave me stranded

So seems it may not be that uncommon
Mine is a 2021 with the equivalent of 20,000 miles on it

 

[jeepdan]

Oh great. the litens decoupling alternator pulley.
Not easy. But with special tools, you can remove and replace the pulley after prying off the plastic cover to access the hex socket.
I replaced two on the alternator of my 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD during the course of 180,000 miles.
This explains the clatter that my 2020 Gladiator has had for a good while. Now, it's actually starting make a pulsating chirp after a cold start up. Only 30,000 miles.

 

[Shopshirt]

I also vote replace it yourself if not a warranty deal. Probably, the easiest of the accessories to replace.

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