WTH is this noise? Engine Compartment Squeaking...

[dbsoundman]

The noise...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ptp8wk3nafsa31s/2013-03-22%2008.56.24.mp4

It sounds like a funky bearing, or something scraping against plastic, I'm not sure. It doesn't always happen, but when it does it's usually once the vehicle has warmed up and running for 30+ minutes. It sounds like it's coming from somewhere behind the big plastic cover on the front of the engine, I hope it's not a timing belt issue but I'd also rather not find out while driving down the highway!

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[02_SE_Runner]

Is your fan shroud rubbing? It sounds more like something is rubbing against something? I may be wrong though.

 

[dbsoundman]

I'm not sure, I looked at the fan but it looked fine, and it sounded more like it was coming from something behind the fan. I'll keep looking as it happens again for sure.

 

[smkd13]

Alright so that sound like a pulley bearing to me. I had the same noise on my old jeep and it was the tensioning pulley. But pretty much it could be the fan bearing, a bearing under the timing cover (cam and idler pulley bearings) as well any other bearings there. The best thing to do is remove the tension from the belts an move the pulleys. See if there is any play. Spin them with your hand and feel for rough movement and any grinding sounds or feelings. Good bearings are smooth with NO play in them.

Do not drive until you get this fixed. A blown bearing could be catastrophic especially if it is has to do with the timing belt.

 

[dbsoundman]

Alright so that sound like a pulley bearing to me. I had the same noise on my old jeep and it was the tensioning pulley. But pretty much it could be the fan bearing, a bearing under the timing cover (cam and idler pulley bearings) as well any other bearings there. The best thing to do is remove the tension from the belts an move the pulleys. See if there is any play. Spin them with your hand and feel for rough movement and any grinding sounds or feelings. Good bearings are smooth with NO play in them.

Do not drive until you get this fixed. A blown bearing could be catastrophic especially if it is has to do with the timing belt.

How exactly could this be catastrophic, assuming it is a bearing involved in the timing belt? The engine is non-interference so I would think that the belt would break or go off track, and the engine would stop. I also don't know why losing an accessory belt would do anything other than maybe cause an overheat if the fan stops. Super inconvenient, but not catastrophic. The problem just doesn't happen consistently enough right now for me to drop everything, stop driving and try to fix it...I may not ever hear it again for all I know.

Regardless, I appreciate the suggestion. It may very well be timing related. If I do hear it again I'm going to try to look even more in-depth to see if I can find the culprit.

I don't have my Haynes manual handy, but is it true that the timing belt is behind that black plastic cover in front of the engine? If so, can I take that cover off without doing much other dis-assembly? That way I can more easily spot the problem if I find it's in there somewhere.

 

[smkd13]

How exactly could this be catastrophic, assuming it is a bearing involved in the timing belt? The engine is non-interference so I would think that the belt would break or go off track, and the engine would stop. I also don't know why losing an accessory belt would do anything other than maybe cause an overheat if the fan stops. Super inconvenient, but not catastrophic. The problem just doesn't happen consistently enough right now for me to drop everything, stop driving and try to fix it...I may not ever hear it again for all I know.

Regardless, I appreciate the suggestion. It may very well be timing related. If I do hear it again I'm going to try to look even more in-depth to see if I can find the culprit.

I don't have my Haynes manual handy, but is it true that the timing belt is behind that black plastic cover in front of the engine? If so, can I take that cover off without doing much other dis-assembly? That way I can more easily spot the problem if I find it's in there somewhere.

A timing belt snapping or falling off while the engine is running can cause damage as it keeps the valves in time with the crankshaft. Possibility is always there for a big issue. Just better to be preventative.

And yes te timing belt is under the black cover. There is a total of 3 covers one of which holds the fan (middle one). I would just check what you can see. Loosen the belts and check what you can see. Timing belt covers are a little more time intensive.

 

[Brian757]

Yeah. I would consider a timing belt/water pump job if it hasnt been done yet. Then just change the bearings and gaskets while youve got the engine apart.

I wouldnt run it though, unless its only occasional. Just replace it in a timely manner.

 

[dbsoundman]

Perfect... I have no garage, and I have to move in a month. Oh, and it's still snowing here. FML.

The only weird thing about this is that it doesn't happen when it's not cold outside or the engine isn't totally cold... So it definitely seems to vary with temperature. Any ideas there?

I am not quite inclined to do a timing belt at this point on my own so it looks like I need to find a mechanic...

 

[opie74]

Get yourself a section of hose, 3/8 should work fine. 3' or 4' long. Put one end up to your ear, into it slightly so you can seal out any noise except what comes through the tube. Prod around the engine with the other end and see if you can locate the noise. You are using the section of tube as a stethoscope. Just be careful of the fan, you need to do this while the engine is running.

I found one of my timing belt pulleys and the cooling fan bearings are bad this way. Literally taking a lunch break from doing the timing belt right now.

 

[kball]

a/c idler bearing is a common failure. I'd do what was mentioned earlier and take off the accessory belts and see if the noise disappears.

 

[dbsoundman]

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