1999 Jeep Cherokee vibration + intermitent squeak coming fr

CUJ1

MEMBER
1999 JEEP CHEROKEE
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

Happened a few weeks ago. Thought it was the serpentine belt which we replaced. Have isolated the symptom to the distributor housing. Starts at startup when parked overnight then goes away within 2 minutes. More like a rubbing sound which increases a beat on excelleration and decreases at idle then goes away after about 2 minutes. I think it is the distributor bushing. Can it be lubricated or does the unit need to be replaced?

1 Reply

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,005 POSTS

See my profile, Imma CJ Guy

If you think its the distributor bushing/bearing

(I do not know specifics of your rig)

Remove the cap and anything else in the way.

Squirt a little penetrating oil, or dribble a little sewing machine or machine oil down to the bottom of the distributor shaft inside the distributor. See if the squeal stops (at minimum, to verify where its originating from)

The other thing you want to check is "Wobble" of the shaft itself (not CCW or CW slack, that is normal) If you can "FEEL" motion when you push the shaft to and from you, you might look into another distributor.

Another way to see if yours is excessive, go to the parts house and "FEEL" the motion in theirs. They too, are a good source of advice!

Another way to possibly find your squeak is with a "Nelso-Scope", Basically a piece of 1/2 or 5/8 Heater Hose---about 3 feet long (even garden hose). Shove one end in your Audio Port (EAR), use the other end like a Stethoscope. WATCH THOSE MOVING PARTS!

Your turn

The Medic