92 4.0L Cherokee. 4WD. 200K miles.

I've had several high-mile Cherokee's and never any problems, so I'm a little behind the curve on this one...

A few months ago, this rattle started in the front of the engine. Sounded like the water pump was going so I pulled and replaced. The sound remained...

It's pretty steady but has gotten louder with time. Very audible at idle. You don't hear it much during a solid load (35mph+). I've tried stethoscoping but I'm not finding it...

I went to take a video of it today and it did something its never done before. It cut out for several seconds and then started up again - and I caught it on video. Before hearing this I was thinking this may be a bearing going out but after witnessing this today, I'm suspicious of the power steering or A/C pump.

Here is a 30 second video of a cold start. The noise is immediate and at :13 seconds, it completely stops. At :19 seconds it comes right back. It cut out like the A/C pump would but, to me, the sound seems to be coming from the P/S pump area...


Thanks for any help. --M

 

Have you listened to the various components with a stethoscope (small tube to the ear or purpose built mechanic's stethoscope)? Caution of course around the belt!

 

These are handy as hell. Under $10 at Hobo Freight.

 

take off the belt and start it
that will tell you if it is internal or an accessory