Engine squeaking noise

JOHN DAVIES

MEMBER
2000 JEEP WRANGLER TJ
120,000 MILES

Engine makes a squeaking noise when started that goes away when the temperature reaches 70 degrees F.
The squeaking noise sounds like its the serpentine belt but I've tried replacing the belt and it makes no difference. I have also tried lubricating it when running and again it makes no difference.
I then replaced the idler pulley and the idle tensioner and the clutch fan but the symptoms remain. The only pulley that doesn't turn perfectly is the power steering pulley which feels a bit notchy but the noise doesn't change when you turn the steering wheel. The water pump is not leaking and is doing its job. Switching on heavy duty electric items (winch lights etc, ) doesn't affect noise. I replaced the harmonic balancer a couple of years back.

7 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

Can you upload a video of the noise so I can hear what you hear?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-squeaking-noise

Roy

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Sunday, January 10th, 2021 AT 5:21 AM

JOHN DAVIES

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Roy,

I've attached the video. One other thing, in the description I said the noise stopped when the temperature reached 70 F. I should have said 70 Centigrade which is about 158 F.

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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:17 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Okay, I would remove the serpentine belt and spin all the components by hand and look for any play or stiffness. See if you can recreate the noise by spinning the pulleys.

Roy

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Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 AT 3:42 PM

JOHN DAVIES

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Roy,

There is a very faint whining noise like a kittens meow coming from the water pump pulley when its spun. I've included a video. Looks like the next thing I should try is replacing the water pump.
John

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Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 AT 10:12 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good find. That noise when the belt is installed can be much louder.

Replace the pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Roy

CAUTION: If the water pump is replaced because of mechanical damage, the fan blades and viscous fan drive should also be inspected. These components could have been damaged due to excessive vibration.

REMOVAL
The water pump can be removed without discharging the air conditioning system (if equipped).

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CAUTION: All engines have a reverse (counterclockwise) rotating water pump. The letter R is stamped into the back of the water pump impeller to identify. Engines from previous model years, depending upon application, may be equipped with a forward (clockwise) rotating water pump. Installation of the wrong water pump will cause engine over heating.
The water pump impeller is pressed on the rear of the pump shaft and bearing assembly. The water pump is serviced only as a complete assembly.

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE BLOCK DRAIN PLUG(S) OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
1. Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
2. Drain the cooling system.

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3. 2.5L Engine: Loosen (but do not remove at this time) the four fan hub-to-water pump pulley mounting nuts.

NOTE: The engine accessory drive belt must be removed prior to removing the fan.

4. Remove accessory drive belt.
5. 4.0L Engine: The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade assembly is attached (threaded) to water pump hub shaft. Remove fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly from water pump by turning mounting nut counterclockwise as viewed from front. Threads on viscous fan drive are RIGHT HAND. Using a suitable fan wrench loosen the fan drive.

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6. Remove power steering pump.

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Warning: constant tension hose clamps are used on most cooling system hoses. When removing or installing, use only tools designed for servicing this type of clamp, such as special clamp tool (number 6094) Snap-On clamp tool (number hpc-20) may be used for larger clamps. Always wear safety glasses when servicing constant tension clamps.

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CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp with matching number or letter.

7. Remove lower radiator hose from water pump. Remove heater hose from water pump fitting.
8. 2.5L Engine: Remove four nuts previously loosened and remove the fan blade assembly and pulley.
9. After removing fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly, do not place thermal viscous fan drive in horizontal position. If stored horizontally, silicone fluid in viscous fan drive could drain into its bearing assembly and contaminate lubricant.

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10. Remove the four pump mounting bolts and remove pump from vehicle. Discard old gasket. Note that one of the four bolts is longer than the other bolts.
11. If pump is to be replaced, the heater hose fitting must be removed. Note position of fitting before removal.

INSTALLATION
1. If pump is being replaced, install the heater hose fitting to the pump. Use a sealant on the fitting such as Mopar Thread Sealant With Teflon. Refer to the directions on the package.
2. Clean the gasket mating surfaces. If the original pump is used, remove any deposits or other foreign material. Inspect the cylinder block and water pump mating surfaces for erosion or damage from cavitation.
3. Install the gasket and water pump. The silicone bead on the gasket should be facing the water pump. Also, the gasket is installed dry. Tighten mounting bolts to 23 Nm (200 inch lbs.) torque. Rotate the shaft by hand to be sure it turns freely.
4. Connect the radiator and heater hoses to the water pump.
5. 2.5L Engine: Position water pump pulley to water pump hub.
6. 2.5L Engine: Install fan and four nuts to water pump hub. Tighten or nuts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
7. Install power steering pump.
8. 4.0L Engine: Thread the fan and fan hub into the water pump hub shaft.

CAUTION: When installing the serpentine engine accessory drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. If not, the engine may overheat due to the water pump rotating in the wrong direction. Refer to the Belt Removal and Installation. You may also refer to the Belt Routing Label in the vehicle engine compartment.

9. Install accessory drive belt. 2.5L Engine: Tension drive belts. Refer to Accessory Drive Belt removal and installation.
10. Fill cooling system with coolant and check for leaks. Refer to Refilling Cooling System.
11. Connect battery cable to battery.
12. Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.

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