sgt.arafak

Hey guys, recently I took my Jeep to the beach and on the way back I started noticing this kinda whining grinding noise. Thought it may be Transfer case or transmission related but after testing it in park I noticed it's coming from the engine bay. Any idea what it is?

Here is a video of the sound:

freegdr

Remove belt and spin things feel which one is ruff to spin.

fijicorey25

Sounds like a bad bearing in one of the pulleys. Like freegdr said, you need to take off the belt and spin each pulley by hand. It will feel like the pulley has sand stuck inside or will be noisy if the bearing is bad.

My bet is the power steering pump. Mine had a little whirr to it when it was going bad.

sgt.arafak

Thanks guys. I'll get that belt off and test that out. I did replace the belt and idler pulley about 4-5 years ago so it would make sense to be something like the PS pump. I'll be back with updates as I do it.

sgt.arafak

Update: I took the belt off and spun a few things, Power steering isn't too rough when it spins, but it rattles, I have a video of it below. Probably gonna go ahead and change that but was wondering if I should just change the whole pump at this point.

Video:

EZEARL

Don't sound good. You can get a complete rebuild kit w/bearing. But in my experience even with the proper puller which you should use the pulley can be hard (usually bending it) if not impossible to remove. Maybe someone knows a trick of the trade?

Before you get into another pump though just for the heck of it try spraying PB Blaster (or something like it) in behind the pulley while rotating it.

fijicorey25

The bearing inside the pump is what would be making the whining sound. I can't remember if mine had a rattle like yours, but that doesn't seem to bad.

You can try replacing the pump and pulley (do both) and see if your problem goes away. If it doesn't, just return the pump if you want.

Do any of the other accessory pulleys seem rough? Check the idler pulley too just in case.

If you replace the power steering pump, follow the factory instructions to get air out of the system. This is from the 2000 service manual:

Wipe filler cap clean, then check the fluid level.
The dipstick should indicate COLD when the fluid is
at normal ambient temperature.
(1) Fill the pump fluid reservoir to the proper level
and let the fluid settle for at least two minutes.
(2) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds
then turn engine off.
(3) Add fluid if necessary. Repeat the above procedure
until the fluid level remains constant after running
the engine.
(4) Raise the front wheels off the ground.
(5) Slowly turn the steering wheel right and left,
lightly contacting the wheel stops at least 20 times.
(6) Check the fluid level add if necessary.
(7) Lower the vehicle, start the engine and turn
the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock.
(8) Stop the engine and check the fluid level and
refill as required.
(9) If the fluid is extremely foamy or milky looking,
allow the vehicle to stand a few minutes and
repeat the procedure.
CAUTION: Do not run a vehicle with foamy fluid for
an extended period. This may cause pump damage.

fijicorey25

I tried the PB blaster trick and it didn't really quiet mine down. But it might work for you. It can't hurt. To get the pulley on or off, you will need a pulley removal tool. My old one came off very easily with the tool. I threw a new pulley on a reman pump I bought off RockAuto. I tossed a new belt on too and kept my old one (it was only a year old) as a backup.

freegdr

Any you pull it yards around ?

EZEARL

That's the way do it.

freegdr

Stay away from A1 Cardone pumps.

EZEARL

HOPEFULLY I won't need one any time soon. What's preferred?

freegdr

ACDelco.

EZEARL

I'll add it to my list of preferred replacement parts. So far the advice here has work out good.

sgt.arafak

Update: After so much struggle to get the pulley off I just went with a new one and popped it on today, put the fluid in and hooked everything back up and the new pump is leaking where it meets the reservoir.

FINAL UPDATE:

Everything is good now, I highly recommend buying the pump with the a new reservoir already attached to prevent any type of leakage at the pump. I tried O-rings, and some other methods of keeping that thing super tight and still had issues. Also if your pulley is rusted to hell it may be easier to go ahead and get a new pulley for $15. Saved me a bunch of time and effort. Thanks for the help everyone.