When I start the Jeep up I am getting this loud screeching noise. At first It was only happening when the car was warm now it seems to happen more often than not. Was advised that it may be the belt or the alternator but my alternator has since been changed and it would still make the noise sometimes when I'd crank it with the cps disconnected, so I don't think it's the belt. The sound seems to be coming from the driver side. I recorded audio with the hood open and attached it to this post. Anyone else run into this?

 

Kinda sounds like the starter not disengaging fast enough after start and dragging on fly wheel. Im just guessing on this one.

 

Yeah that was my other thought but the sound doesn't seem to be coming from that side. Still probably worth it to take it apart and clean it up.

 

tighten your belt slightly, or hit it with some water from a spray bottle that mists, and see if it changes. this should take just a few minutes to check.

I don't know what a CPS would have to do with the belt.

 

Unplugging the cps allows the engine to crank without starting. When I did that it would go something like this: turn key, crank crank crank, no start of course, release key. Turn key again, ssssssccccccrrrrreeeecccccchhhh, release key before my teeth explode.

 

That sound sure does seem metallic to me. I would think either starter is not retracting (as stated above). Or the mechanical fan is touching something it shouldn't. Like the radiator or harmonic balancer. If the fan is touching the radiator, it will often leave evidence like a circular pattern where it has rubbed the fins. On the harmonic balancer, look for a shiny metal edge indicating that something metal has been touching it as it spins.

 

Definitely has a metallic sound to it. Tomorrow when I have some light I'll look into these suggestions.

 

I think it's the starter. Removed it today, and you can see the wear on the teeth. Seems to be retracting alright, but again usually my first start up of the day doesn't screech. I think it warms up and loses its rigidity. Any thoughts?

 

It rattles when you shake it, right?

Replace it. Ring gear teeth will be fine.

Duma nailed this one!!

 

Replaced it. It was in fact the starter bo barter banana fana fo farter.

And yes it rattled. Like you said, the new one definitely did not rattle so that's another good indicator to look for.

Thanks for the help all!