It's hard to search threads for a specific noise, lol.

This is a 2003 Dodge Durango SXT with a 4.7L

I've checked a few and haven't found anything similar enough to lead me to believe I have the same issue. I'm not at the car or able to video it right now, but I should be able to when I get home - if it's making the noise.

There are two problems at play here, first off I know I have a leaky line on the power steering unit. It's down near one of the rubber fasteners near the gearbox - I think. I was about ready to deal with that, but then this other noise cropped up and has me more concerned, since I don't know what it is. Right now, I'm feeding the power steering reservoir fluid when needed, and I know the characteristic sound of a low power steering unit - this noise and that are not the same, but could be related..

Problem is the sound I'm curious about seems to be coming from the front of the engine near the AC Compressor or maybe the idler pulley under that. It's erratic; comes and goes in intensity. Sometimes it's so quiet it's either not doing it or I can't hear it over the engine's normal noises. It seems to me like it's almost a bad bearing sort of a sound - metal on metal and the noise changes with engine RPM's, of course. The noise does change tone slightly when I engage or disengage the A/C compressor, but I don't know if that's because it's the compressor or just the tension on the belts or engine RPM's changing.

The oddest part is that it seems the loudest and most pronounced when I come down from interstate speed to a stop, like off an exit or similar.

I really don't think it's the power steering pump as the noise persists even if the power steering reservoir is full, and when the power steering runs low, I can hear the power steering pump whining for fluid, with the 'normal' sound they make.

Also - one last question and the main reason I'm posting now (so I don't forget) - there would be no harm done in running the engine with the serpentine belt off of it totally for a minute or two would there? I think that would at least narrow it down to an accessory on the serpentine belt or something more sinister.. I'm hoping it's not an internal bearing or anything.

Otherwise, the AC, Power Steering (when it has enough fluid) and the engine seem to be running just fine.

 

Pulling the belt for a few minutes is not a problem. Check your A/C clutch closely though. Mine made a slight "whining" noise periodically over the past 6 months that never seemd to be an issue, until last Friday. The clutch bearing failed & the pully cocked a couple of degrees. Destroyed the belt, seized compressor, and my D left me stranded. Fortunately it was in the parking lot at work where i could change out the compressor pretty quickly. Just got a lot of looks when the refridgerant was venting and lots of white "smoke" came out.

Shhh... don't tell the EPA!!!!!

Bob

 

as bob said running the engine without the belt on for a few minutes will not be a problem, but DO NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK WITHOUT THE BELT INSTALLED!!!!!!!!!!!

also i would do it first thing in the morning when the engine is as cold as it gets so you have more time before it starts to overheat.

also i just did a write up on the power steering line replacement last week, check the FAQ thread and it should have all the details you need, if not feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

 

Thanks guys - I think I might have found the issue to0. As I've been putting this off....
Anyway - I went to the grocery this evening - had a feeling not to drive it, it was making a bit more noise than usual when I started it up to drive to the store.

I tried cranking it and it struggled to turn over - plenty of power, the lights are nice and bright, power windows working, etc.
I can see the engine torque some when I crank it - so took a good look at the accessories (which is the problem I've been suspecting) and the pulley on the AC compressor looks out of round.

I was coming back to post to see if the water pump is belt driven (looks like it is) as I was curious if it might be ok to drive it about 2 miles without the belt on - but with the info you all already gave me, I know the answer is a solid 'no' on that.

My pully isn't cocked like you had Bobman - it's just out of round - big gap on the sides and real small one on top - couldn't see the bottom from that angle, but I suspect the gap's large on the bottom too - sounds like that pully's bearings are gone - I did notice even more metal shavings around the base of the compressor and some obvious metal peeling between the pully and clutch, so I suspect that it's seized up bad and the starter can't turn it over.

Sound like reasonable guess on it not turning over? It cranks (tries to) and has plenty of battery it seems. The starter's kicking in and moving the engine a bit.. I ended up just leaving it alone and calling my in-laws for a ride home.


Luckily - it died up at my local Kroger's and they are cool with me leaving it there overnight, which even kinda beats work - since Kroger's is 2 miles away and work is about 17. Hoping my dad has AAA, I have towing reimbursement through my insurance, but I'm flat broke until payday, lol.

I'll check the write-up on the Power Steering line - perfect timing sharpshooter, thanks

 

Oh one more thing outta curiosity too - I looked at the belt routing and it doesn't seem doable - but is there a way to run a shorter belt and bypass the AC compressor?

Kinda looked like - the way the idler and compressor are setup that the belt would end up back on top of itself, making that pretty much impossible..

 

they make a a/c bypass pulley thats what you will need

 

That's just what I was looking at - I found this thread... (yes, I actually use search sometimes!! whoohoo!!)

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...t-start-2.html

Exact same issue I'm having - but this guy said it won't fit the 4.7.

Anyone know if that's the case (won't fit) or happen to know what length belt would work for a bypass? I kinda like the bypass pulley that uses the stock belt.

I looked around for an A/C compressor - found one local at KOI Auto Parts for $217 - even beat RockAuto. FYI, I bet they ship - and they have a fantastic reputation in my area: http://www.koiautoparts.com/

But.. the compressor is 98% chance good, it was working great short of the failed pulley, so if I can find a clutch kit that works, I might go with that - so I won't have to fool with the Freon. I'm not sure it's 100% necessary to purge the system and all that, but I would prefer to keep it working as good as it has been over the years.


Not a single Junk Yard has one in my area, and I asked if they did - how much? They said $150.00 - for $67.00 - I can't see getting used over a rebuild - and heck, another place had one new for $270.00

 

here you go DURANGO AC Compressor Clutch KIT 2002 2003 A/C Dodge
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DURAN...item4aadcfe496

 

Sweet, thanks - I'll order as soon as the budget permits

Assuming I can get the bypass pulley or a bypass belt rigged up, if I'm forced to get the compressor today, I might have to, since it's totally down until I do something to work past the seized pulley.

 

i also found this he didn't say how the belt needs to be ran though
http://www.*********.com/forums/arch.../t-211002.html