So this started a bit ago, and I've just used the jeep driver method of fixing things, turn the radio up and ignore, but now its time to try and troubleshoot.

Here are videos





It doesn't sound like it is coming from the fan, seems like its coming from the left side Facing the car so like the air intake side.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm probably taking it to a shop to get their opinion, but dont want to go in blind

thanks guys!

 

Damn, sound's bad (expensive). Maybe the cam bearings or valves.

Good luck,
Paul

 

Kinda hard to tell from just that video but I'm guessing it is a belt-driven accessory. Power steering pump, alternator or A/C would be my guess. Let some mechanics give it a listen and they can probably narrow it down for you.

 

Check you're power steering fluid.
Sounds right and in the right vicinity.

 

Pull the accessory belts one-by-one and restart the engine in between to listen for a change. I agree with the above poster, it sounds like a PS pump that is low on fluid.

 

Checked power steering fluid, and it checks out OK

It does it with and without the climate control on

Though i should add, it is a dark color, almost dirty oil color, and it looks like it leaks out just a little as there is oily residue on the reservoir thing.

 

I have no idea how to do this To be honest. I also have a college parking lot as a workshop, and basically some sockets to do it with. Anyone have a step by step? I'll do it if i have an idea what I'm doing.

Thanks for the help so far guys!

EDIT: did a search, and looks like its not that hard, estimates on time?

 

I have to agree, that wound earily like my moms jeep when the PS pump was going out...

 

I'd back the idea its something on the belt system, pulley, power steering something... Doesnt sound like an internal type noise.

 

sounds like power steering, maybe the fluid or pump bearing. doesn't sound like an engine problem sound.

 

You can use a long screwdriver as a stethoscope to find the problem, just put the metal end on the part, your ear to the handle, sounds silly but it works.

 

Thanks for the reply's guys, Going to go out and take the belt off and see how it sounds when I'm done with class. Hopefully I can get it diagnosed and fixed by tomorrow, because after that it goes from 60's to 30's and rain.

 

It was the A/C compressor Idler pulley, loosened it up, and it stopped making the sound. Going to replace it over thanksgiving.

 

Sounds like a timing belt tensioner or water pump. Hard to say without taking the accessory drive belts off first.

 

get a car stethoscope (cheap) from a auto parts store and start touching it to the ps pump, timing belt coverr, etc and see where it's the loudest. easiest way. i sitll think it's the ps pump