jimbolac
My 97 gr cherokee has a noise heard at speeds 10 mph and up coming from rear axle.Kinda a whirring sound or it sounds like window is open in back.I am new to this jeep stuff just finished motor swap/brake job etc. Had the vehicle running on hoist at friends garage and noise seems to be coming from passenger side rear.I have ruled out tire noise and just checked rear axle fluid (down a little but topped off).This vehicle has been sitting 4-6 months after motor went.I am finally getting all the bugs out but not sure what the noise is.I have checked out axle removal through online sources but dont want to tackle job if axle bearing is not the problem.Is this 97 aZJ or aXJ ? Any tricks or ideas on how to determine what the problem is? I've only driven it about 130 miles and would like to get everything up to snuff.thanks in advance . Jim L
ironman_gq
if you grab the tire with the vehicle off the ground can you wiggle it at all. If there is any play in the axle shaft side to side or up and down then the bearing is shot and you might as well replace it. If it has over 100,000mi. I would replace both sides anyway and check the gears and diff bearings while im at it. check the gears for the proper wear pattern and make sure everything turns smoothly without any free play. if you can feel any catching or scraping in the bearings they need to be replaced. Good Luck! :t:
BREK
Your jeep is a grand cherokee so it's body designation is zj. As iron man stated I would also bet that you have a bad wheel bearing. If you have an alluminum bodied d44 you might as well plan on replacing all the bearings and seals. If you would like you can pm me your vin# along with a fax# (if you have) and I can send you a detailed vehicle option list, I am a parts guy at a jeep dealership.
