There has been a noise coming from the front passenger side of my 87 Cherokee. I have replaced the water pump and the fan clutch. The noise is still there. I'm leaning towards the a/c compressor. Any thoughts?

Also, what's causing the noise that starts out high rpm and then drops at the very beginning of the video. Is that a vacuum leak or is it normal?

Here's the video link:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/dTE47fB47_I

 

Everyone's computer speakers will sound a bit different, but...

Sounds a lot like a power steering pump that is running completely dry.

Could also be a bad bearing, or possibly the starter drive gear is not disengaging from the flywheel. I had that happen frequently in older GM V8s.

 

I took the belt off and the noise went away. So that rules out the distributor.

Also, checked the ps pump and idler pulley and both okay.

I guess that leaves the alternator and a/c

I'm thinking maybe the a/c clutch bearing. The noise happens regardless of the a/c on or not. The noise is constant and increases/decreases with the speed of the engine.

 

I would go with alt because the a/c uses a different bearing when it is engaged I believe.

 

X2 on the alternator. The alternator bearings are really knd of small compared to the A/C compressor bearings, so the chances of the alternator being the cause is greater. If the belt tension is too tight it will wipe out the bearings even faster.

 

Buy a mechanics stethescope and CAREFULLY use it to pinpoint the noise.

I've used on of these thangs and it's not snake oil. They come in really handy.

 

Alternator wins. The bearings were bad. Now my XJ is quite again. Thanks for the help!