HELP Squeaking/Squealing 97 Cherokee - Off-Road Forums & Discussion Groups

XJ-97 · #1 05-31-2009, 03:37 AM

My well maintained 97 cherokee has as of late been making an ear piercing metal on metal squeal. It does it at idol half the time and most of the time when I rev or drive normal. It's an EAR PIERCING HEADACHE CAUSING NOISE. It's NOT the belt. It's not the power steering pump or pulley, not the water pump or its pulley, and not the tensioner pulley. I have changed all those in the last few days in an attempt to fix this noise. No luck. It is a metal on metal noise for sure. Not a belt squeal. Any ideas?

stump runner · #2 06-02-2009, 09:16 AM

just to help narrow it down (internal/ external) remove the belts and start the engine. it will be ok for a few seconds. if no noise- rotate all the accessories feeling for smooth rotation. my best guess is an alternator bearing has gone south. if you remove the alternator you can have it bench tested at many auto supply stores. possible a/c clutch?