Whining from bell housing area....please help
09-16-2010, 04:31 PM
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Model: Cherokee
Whining from bell housing area....please help
Hey guys I have a 97 Cherokee 4.0 automatic transmission 4X4...I noticed a whining/high pitched groaning sound that just started a few days ago and has gotten louder. The noise (which reminds me of a noisy AC compressor engaging and running) only occurs when the transmission is in reverse, drive, 3, 2 or 1 and noise goes away when the transmission is in park and neutral. Also, the noise occurs regardless if i'm in 2wd or 4wd. The noise happens as soon as the transmission is shifted into gear and gets louder and higher pitched with RPM speed. I checked the transmission fluid, trasfer case fluid and differential fluid which were all full. I had my buddy put the truck in drive and hold the brake while I got under the truck and literally put my ear up against the differential, transfer case, and transmission and from the sound of it I'm about 95% positive its coming from right around the bell housing area or where the transmission bolts to the motor. Any ideas as to what it could be or anything to try and fix the problem?? Please help guys, drivetrain noise really gets me worried and I'm still a complete newbie here 
09-16-2010, 05:05 PM
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I haven't had the opportunity to hear something like your describing. I would pull the lower inspection plate off of the front bell housing and see if the torque converter bolts are tight. Check your tranny fluid also.
09-16-2010, 05:35 PM
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tranny fluid is full i already checked that along with the transfer case and differentials....after doing some research i think i'll be checking the bolts for the torque converter this weekend....any other suggestions while im down there?
09-16-2010, 10:05 PM
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
just the basicks man like he said check the bolts on your tc, obviosly it has to be under load to make the noise. possible your tc is crapin out on ya sorry im not much help but let us know what you find
09-16-2010, 10:35 PM
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Well I'm going to check the tc bolts and make sure they are all tight this weekend but I thought there were some other things I could check just in case I come to find all the bolts are tight and everything checks out ok. I'm just trying to get as much info as possible because this is all new to me.
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09-17-2010, 12:46 AM
#8
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If it starts to make the noise as soon as you put it in gear and your not moving then i would think you need to have the tranny serviced. maybe something like a tranny filter that needs to be changed or flushing the tranny fluid or as much as the pump in the tranny is going out. Check the Torque converter bolts first.
09-17-2010, 05:11 PM
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
Got the same problem buddy. Its been going on for a few months now, but i just ignore it. As long as it doesnt affect the driving of your jeep, just ignore it. But if your jeep's tranny starts slipping, hardshifting, or just feel funky; go get it serviced. Transmissions problems, are problems meant for specialists.
09-17-2010, 06:56 PM
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Well it's good to know I'm not alone here and that your jeep has been holding up well for months with the noise...I'm still going to check the tc bolts and than change the transmission filter and put some fresh fluid in it
09-17-2010, 08:16 PM
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Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
a whine coming from that area could be one of 4things...
something wrapped around the flywheel/torque converter...string, straw, whatever could have gotten in there.
bad rear main bearing.
torque converter failing
or trans fluid pump going bad.
something wrapped around the flywheel/torque converter...string, straw, whatever could have gotten in there.
bad rear main bearing.
torque converter failing
or trans fluid pump going bad.
09-18-2010, 06:33 AM
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Is the trans fluid pump located inside the trans or can it be replaced without removing the trans? The noise only occurs when the transmission is under load.