I wouldn't worry too much about it. Mine does it too. In fact all of my last few vehicle's have done it when it's cold enough and a few of those where brand new. I always figured it was the belt or pulley bearings. If it doesn't go away after a minute or so then maybe something is wrong.

_________________
2003 Black KJ Limited
245/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor

I'm not too worried about. The steering works fine. After reading this forum I'm thinking that mine is telling me it needs a fluid change since the sound lasts 10 times as long this winter as the past 6 winters. If the pump is starting to wear out it's an excuse to upgrade something else on the Jeep.

_________________
June 2001 Liberty Limited 4X4
Frankenlift II Premium, Al's Upper Arms, 245/75R16 C Silent Armors on Moabs, RL Skink Super Sliders, Rear DTT, Riddler Diff Cover, Fastman Throttle Body, Profinish-Proglass Hood, Borla Dual Outlet Exhaust, TransGo Reprogramming Kit, APS Stall Converter, 4.10 Gears, B&G Chrysler PCM, Lots of Line-X, etc...

I like your thinking!

_________________
2003 Black KJ Limited
245/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor

Mine started last winter. I have 27K miles on it now. I would bet it is the idler pulley making the noise.

_________________
2002 Silver Sport 4x4 3.7L-5 Speed NV3550 Manual Transmission-NV231J TC-Frankenlift-AllJ Interior Rack-ARB Bumper-Hella Driving Lights-Electric Trailer Brake-Moog LBJs-JBA 4.5 UCAs-Detroit Trutrac (Front)-245/70/16 Dueler A/T Tires-Amsoil EaA201 Air Filter-Tom Woods Custom Front Drive Shaft-Rock Lizard Gecko HD Roof Rails-Onboard Co2

It is the power steering pump whining on cold start up.

Definately the power steering pump.