So whenever I turn my jeep on I get a squealing high pitched whining noise (sound metallic though like a bearing) that continues as long as its running. The noise picks up with the rpm's when I throttle it, and my brother noticed it picked up and got louder when the A/C was turned on. I'm pretty sure I've screwed the pooch by wading my jeep door handles deep in our pond and now need a new compressor and or clutch (already replaced alternator since I sent it to its grave). I'd like to fix the A/C properly if possible. What I want to know if anyone knows how to confirm if I need to replace the compressor (will come with new clutch) or just the clutch (which at any auto parts store is damn near as much as the whole clutch and compressor assembly).

Also if I can score a used one, what all years makes and models have the same compressor as my 96 cherokee 4.0?

check idler puullys also

They have been checked, definitely coming from the A/C compressor or immediate are of.

if you spray water on belt does squeeking stop might be belt

I've tried tightening the belt. Its as tight as it will get and the water thing didn't do anything. Pretty sure its a bearing in the clutch or the compressor itself.

sounds like it ,best bet trust worthy ac shop...unless you done ac work.

I will be doing it myself.

done ac work b4? system needs to be vacuum out flushed proper amount of oil put back in vacuumed back down and refilled you have gauges and freon storage machine and pump to vacuum also most likely need other parts to not void warranty on compressure,

Unfortunately. Replaced compressors in two tractors and one semi (those were all a ***** to do). I just need info on properly diagnosing my jeep and what works as a replacement (no modifications needed).

I have exactally same issue and really only need a clutch unit but I can't find it separate from the compressor. Seems like a waste to replace the compreddor when all I need is the clutch assembly.

Does anyone know where to just but the clutch parts? '98 4.0

O'Reillys sells it separate.

if you just wanna do the bearing thats cool but the squeel only happens when acs on correct so it could be either one ,way my luck works it would be comp. Some bearing can be replaced with out freon loss some cant search good and see.

In my case it squeals when whenever the engine is running a/c on or not.

Anybody have any info on this??