Front End Noise in 4WD only

[shortxjdoug]

describe this noise in more detail, more to an intermittent grinding or a constant whine increasing and decreasing with throttle input

 

[JoesXJ]

not a whine, more like a grinding or rubbing type sound...like if I held the side of a pole to the drive shaft when its spinning maybe

 

[shortxjdoug]

my instinct says a bearing somewhere but you're leaving my realm of expertise, so i am not really sure

 

[JoesXJ]

sounds like it could be a bearing, like a wheel bearing, but wouldnt a wheel bearing make noise when its in 2WD??

 

[shortxjdoug]

yeah you're right, and if it was a wheel bearing your steering would get a lot looser, they tend to walk when they get old (don't ask how i know ). There are very few parts in the driveline that AREN'T spinning in 2 wheel come to think of it (unless it has the front vac-disco). It could be a load part like a u-joint, i know when i put my 98 in 4wheel i get a little u joint grind in my right front cuz its old, if it is that it might do it during a full lock turn on concrete in 2-wheel cuz mine does sometimes, other than that i'm out of ideas

 

[Mr.OverKill]

It definitely makes a distinct noise though when you put it into 4WD HI and drive at cruising speeds, the faster you go, the louder it gets. In 4WD low, it makes no noise and opperates normal with good 4WD traction.

transfer case, take it to a 4wd shop and put it on a rack and get a stethiscope, fire the thing up, put it in gear and listen to the whole thing from underneath, in 4 hi and 4 lo as well as 2wd. dont play around with your families safety, have it checked the right way and when its solved what is wrong take it home and fix it yourself if you want to or have it fixed. your choice.

My .02

p.s. most places do free diagnostics ( spelling? )

 

[shortxjdoug]

i just tried mine under the same conditions get the gear whine from the trans hump and it sounds like something is rubbing on the shaft under accel and speed, stock xj seems normal to me

 

[JoesXJ]

Well that makes me feel better. :yelclap:

How fast where you driving?

 

[shortxjdoug]

had to have had her up in the 40's though all straight, didn't want to shred my drivetrain are you running this on pavement? cuz thats prob not a good idea

 

[JoesXJ]

I had it up to about 45 yesterday on an all dirt road in the rain, I know dry pavement is a bad idea. Well this makes me feel better...still gonna check all the u-joints though.

 

[shortxjdoug]

yeah the noise you described like rubbing on the driveshaft came under hard acceleration and as the speed climbed it got louder as did the gear churning noise from the t-case so i think you might be ok

 

[JoesXJ]

sounds just like what i'm going through then, glad to hear i'm ok :clap:

.......unless you have the same problem as i do!