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i have a 1997 wrangler, it whines loudly non stop when on. does not get louder nor quieter when driving. also the left front tire squeaks when turning either way.
Optional Information: Year : 1997 Make : Jeep Model : wrangler Engine : 2.5 Already Tried: i have checked the fluids, they are full in both reservoirs. steering has not been affected by this.
Hello and welcome to JustAnswer!
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Does the noise change at all when you turn the steering wheel?
Do you have a/c? If you do, does the noise change when you turn on the a/c?
no it doesn't change when i turn the wheels. i have never used my ac in it, just got it 3 months ago. i think i checked it once but it didnt work at all.
The noise could be coming from any one of the engine driven accessories including the water pump, alternator, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, a/c compressor pulley bearing (it turns any time the engine is running regardless of a/c operation), and the power steering pump. There are a few things you can do to try to pinpoint it.
One thing you can do is remove the belt and feel each accessory by hand. Spin them and feel for any roughness or noise. Also feel for any play that would signify a bad bearing.
Another way would be to use a mechanic's stethoscope. A mechanic's stethoscope has a long rod that allows you to touch it to places where you believe the noise is coming from and noise and vibration from the rod is what you hear through the stethoscope. With the engine running you can use this to contact areas on the suspected components to listen to them and see where the noise is coming from.
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thank you thats a good point i didnt think it could be the ac unit thats why it doesnt work. its sorta sounds like a gear that usually kicks on and off when ac running. but its not kicking on nor off just whinning.
The compressor pulley is always driven by the belt any time the engine is running. Inside the pulley just like any others, is a bearing that can make noise. When the a/c is turned on then an electromagnetic clutch in the front turns on and it pulls in the clutch plate. The clutch plate is splined to the compressor shaft, and when pulled in then it contacts the already-spinning pulley, and this is what drives the compressor. If the noise only happened with the a/c on then it would be in the compressor, but a noise that happens all the time could still be from the pulley bearing.
ok thank you very much!!!!!!
You're welcome! If I have been helpful, rating my performance with "OK Service" or better will give me credit for helping you today. Good luck with your Jeep!
Experience: Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Master Certified, ASE Master and Advanced Certified, Trans and Hybrid Specialist
fixed the problem. the power steering pump went bad because the tensioner froze and broke. thank you again
That's great, I'm glad to hear it's fixed. Thanks for the update!