Distributor (rotor) Squeaking
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 689
Likes: 2
From: Longview, TX
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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
Thanks
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 3
From: Seal Beach, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
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
Innuendoes galore
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 4
From: Northfield MN
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2 v8
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.
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.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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
Innuendoes galore
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 689
Likes: 2
From: Longview, TX
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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.
If it matters, I have the 99+ intake, bored TB, cowl snorkel, stainless headers, 2.5" exhaust, high flow cat, and magnaflow.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 689
Likes: 2
From: Longview, TX
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
CF ADMIN

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 34,087
Likes: 256
From: Lantana, Fl
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cpnwrench
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
14
May 5, 2024 12:21 PM
Blackxj51
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
14
Mar 1, 2023 02:39 AM
91cherokeeSC
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
41
Oct 29, 2015 01:49 PM
hoggy
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
Sep 21, 2015 12:08 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)



