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Distributor (rotor) Squeaking

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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 09:10 PM
  #1  
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From: Longview, TX
Year: 1998
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Engine: 4.0L
Default Distributor (rotor) Squeaking

Anyone had this one before? I kept hearing a squeak and assumed I had a pulley bearing going out. Pressed on the distributor cap and the pitch changed. Pressed again, noise stopped. I assume the rotor and cap should be replaced, is there anything else to look at?

Thanks
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 09:28 PM
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From: Longview, TX
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Just realized this should probably be in OEM tech... Sorry.
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 10:08 PM
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Year: 1996
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That happened to me not too long ago. Had to replace the entire distributor to fix it, not just the cap and rotor. Happens when the shaft has play in it. Pull the cap and rotor, grab the shaft, wiggle it, and it shouldnt have any play. If it does, start shopping for a new distributor.

Innuendoes galore
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 10:19 PM
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I had that once as well, squealed like hell.

Check the cap and rotor for corrosion on the contact points (on the inside of the cap) and d its not a cap and rotor with brass terminals, replace it with some lol.

If it happens to be corrosion you can sand it off and use a bit of dielectric grease to get you by for a while.

Easier than the the other verified problem to start with lol.
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 1996sportXJ
That happened to me not too long ago. Had to replace the entire distributor to fix it, not just the cap and rotor. Happens when the shaft has play in it. Pull the cap and rotor, grab the shaft, wiggle it, and it shouldnt have any play. If it does, start shopping for a new distributor.

Innuendoes galore
^^^agree. mines doing it too. the bushing on the shaft gets worn out making it squeak because the oil can't make a good film because its flopping around in there.
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 98XJ40K
Just realized this should probably be in OEM tech... Sorry.
It's all good. I moved it for ya.
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Outlaw Star

It's all good. I moved it for ya.
Thank you... much appreciated.
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Old Mar 11, 2013 | 11:09 PM
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From: Longview, TX
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In the event I have to replace the entire assy, would a stock replacement be the way to go? Any others out there that would be better?

If it matters, I have the 99+ intake, bored TB, cowl snorkel, stainless headers, 2.5" exhaust, high flow cat, and magnaflow.
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Old Mar 12, 2013 | 08:34 AM
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From: Seal Beach, CA
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Can't go wrong with stock. Just get a cap with brass terminals
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Old Mar 12, 2013 | 07:02 PM
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From: Longview, TX
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Originally Posted by 1996sportXJ
Can't go wrong with stock. Just get a cap with brass terminals
That's the way I was leaning... especially since MSD/Mallory and the like run ~$300.

The cap I have now does not have brass terminals, are there specific ones that do?
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Old Mar 12, 2013 | 09:12 PM
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From: Lantana, Fl
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Originally Posted by 98XJ40K
Anyone had this one before? I kept hearing a squeak and assumed I had a pulley bearing going out. Pressed on the distributor cap and the pitch changed. Pressed again, noise stopped. I assume the rotor and cap should be replaced, is there anything else to look at?

Thanks
Ok, there's a bearing inside the dist housing. They can go bad. It's rare but can happen. The easiest route is just buy a replacement dist assembly.
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