So I'm trying to pin point this noise that is bugging me. I want to say it sounds like a dry bearing but I'm not really sure. The sound is audible through the driver's side wheel well, barely able to hear it on the otherside. It makes noise until I hear a click and the rpms change and then the noise is gone. I hear the click again, rpms change and the noise comes back. I've changed out the alternator, idle pulley and tensioner with a new belt so that narrows it down to maybe the power steering or ac.

 

Year and engine?

Does it have AC?

 

2002 4.0 with ac

 

You are hearing the AC pulley/clutch, it turns on and off while engine is running, AC doesn't have to be on for this to happen, AC compressor clutch turns on and off all the time if engine is running

 

Ok so it has something to do with ac pulley, the grinding noise comes and goes with it turning on and off.

 

Took a quick video to get the sound its making.

edit: removed

 

I don't see the AC clutch activating in the video, its front section will start spinning when it does
I also don't hear any grinding or noise

 

Here's a better video. I took the belt off while I was in there and spun it, feels gritty and gets tight in certain spots. Got a new bearing on order.

 

Yes, it sound like time to change it

 

Well it certainly was this bearing. When I took it off both seals were gone, how it lasted a year without total failure really surprised me.

 

Yes, thats a ball or two short of a full bearing, lol