Yet Another Issue

JeepPilot · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:27 am

Yes, another problem

...

When I turn on the engine, I immediately hear a humming/buzzing/vibrating sound from the engine bay. This noise increases and decreases as I accelerate and decelerate. The sound seems to come from somewhere around my timing belt, which the dealership had replaced earlier this year. Any idea what the problem could be, and is it a cheap/easy fix??

For the record, I seem to have resolved all of my other problems. My CEL, indicating a Large Leak in the Evap System, went away and has not returned ever since I replaced the dry rubber hoses near my fuel tank.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 12:18 pm

Hmmmm...... Did the old lady attach her electric "toy" to your KJ's electrical system? :lol:

Have you checked your belt? Do you have someone that can start it for you while you have the hood up and you watch and listen? You are definitely sure it isn't coming from your speakers?

JeepPilot · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 12:23 pm

Quote:

Hmmmm...... Did the old lady attach her electric "toy" to your KJ's electrical system? :Laughing: :Laughing:

Haha, not quite! :lol:

I'm 100% positive that the noise isn't coming from the speakers, it's coming from the engine bay. I'll see if I can't get a video clip w/the noise included.

gone_jeepin · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 12:26 pm

does it sound like BB's being stirred around in a coffee can?

JeepPilot · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:37 pm

gone_jeepin wrote:

does it sound like BB's being stirred around in a coffee can?

Nope, not quite. Nice signature by the way! :lol:

I took my camera outside and took a video clip of the noise. One part of the clip takes place within the engine bay, in which I record the noise at idle and during acceleration as well. The second part of the clip takes place within the cabin space of my KJ so you can hear what it sounds like from the inside.

The noise can best be described as an obnoxious humming.

Let me know if the video works ok.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:01 pm

Vids not working for me :cry:

JeepPilot · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:22 pm

Hmm, it should take you to the video that I uploaded on Photobucket. Lets see if the direct link works.

http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/TXAviator88/?action=view&current=KJHumming.flv

mrkake · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:43 pm

It worked fine for me. It sounds like there is a swarm of angry bees under there

! (I know, not so helpful).

That sounds like it is coming from one of the belt driven components to me. The first thing to do is just check your belt. Even though it was just replaced, they are easy to get off (unless you have a CRD with the tow package like me :twisted:

). It doesn't really sound like a belt to me, but since it is easy to eliminate that as a suspect I would do that first. When the belt is off check all of the pulleys and clutches that it drives.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 4:16 pm

haha, that kinda made me laugh. Sounds like its mad at you!

Sounds like the power steering pump or the alternator... Dads ram with the 4.7' sounds the same way and I always figured it was the power steering. It has around 90k on it so its close to yours.

Ever changed out the power steering fluid?

Jeger · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 4:26 pm

I agree with jeepster. Do some tests to see what affects the noise. Turning wheels to full lock, turn on blower and headlights at once, cycle AC etc. If that doesnt work go out and buy an automotive stethoscope and actually find your problem.

They are super cheap if you have a harbor freight close by.

Or you go old school and just use a piece of wood, metal, pvc pipe, etc etc, just attach your ear to one end and start poking the other end at suspected noise makers. Be sure to avoid getting any of the above items too close to any rotating bits though.

I will go ahead and bet on a power steering pump problem.

JeepPilot · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 4:50 pm

the power steering pump fluid has been changed recently. i'm guessing it's a power steering, alternator, or tension pulley problem, maybe?? i'll do some of these tests and study up to see if i can find anything.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:28 pm

Is timing correct?

LIV42DY · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:49 pm

It actually sounds like the power steering pump. What goes on when you turn the wheel left or right?

JeepPilot · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 7:39 pm

Tokyojoe wrote:

Is timing correct?

Excuse my ignorance, but I'm not sure what the answer is to that question??

LIV42DY, I believe you are right, I think it's the power steering pump as well. Had my alternator tested at AutoZone, nothing wrong w/it. My A/C is in perfect working order, so it can't be my A/C compressor. I had someone get in my KJ and turn my wheels while the engine was running, and I noticed a definite increase in the humming/vibrating noise. Should I take it to a shop to be 100% sure, or is this looking like a bonafide power steering pump problem??

Anyone have any idea how much it's gonna be to take care of this??

LIV42DY · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 8:01 pm

I looked at the video a few times, thats why i asked about the PS unit it is a familiar sound when the pump is on its way or gone , not only applies to the KJ i heard it in various makes and models. to be sure just have someone take a peek at it. If it needs replacing its not hard to do.Let us know how you make out.

JeepPilot · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 8:16 pm

LIV42DY wrote:

I looked at the video a few times, thats why i asked about the PS unit it is a familiar sound when the pump is on its way or gone , not only applies to the KJ i heard it in various makes and models. to be sure just have someone take a peek at it. If it needs replacing its not hard to do.Let us know how you make out.

Alright. I set an appointment with Goodyear/Gemini to get it looked at on Monday. Hoping that all they do is verify what we've already found out. Unfortunately, I do not have the tools, nor the wherewithal to replace the pump by myself. Maybe if I were at home in Texas where I could put it in the garage and figure it out, but I'm at college in Louisiana at the moment.

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Sun Sep 21, 2008 12:47 am

I am not sure about Goodyear in your area, but everything I have experienced with Goodyear is that they overcharges for pretty much everything they touch. I have gotten quotes for work that were higher than even a dealership. Tire prices are well over what other tire places charge for Goodyears. A friend got ripped off on a simple tune up that turned into almost three times the cost of the quote and all he got was a tune up with very overpriced parts. I avoid Goodyear at all costs.

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Sun Sep 21, 2008 12:53 am

Just a thought, does your school have a mechnics program, or do you have access to a community college / vocational school that does? A lot of schools with mechanics programs will accept vehicles so that students can get hands on experience. As a student, you may be able to take advantage of something like this. Far cheaper than using a shop and the instructors are usually pretty good at what they do.

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