Whinning noise in rearend

[boomer1]

:moon: Boy, isn't that a leading title lol:moon:

I'm sure I'll get some off color comments lol

Anyway, recently picked up a 1998 Cherokee Classic for my wife (108,000 miles). Under acceleration, the drive train sounds normal. When you let off the gas pedal, at lower speeds, like coming up to a stop sign, I can hear a whinnng coming from the back in, it seems to be coming from the rear differintal. The noise is not very loud, but it definately sounds like it's coming from the rearend. It's not associated with the brakes at all. Don't really hear it at a higher speed, it starts up as you decelerate around 20-25 mph - until you stop. Before I take it to the local dealer and take a second out on my mortgage, any ideas, or something I should look for?

The only other problem with the jeep is the 4 wheel drive indcator. It goes into 4 wheel, but the light on the dash doesn't come on. From what I been able to find out, it's either the switch on the transfer or the bulb. Seems the dealer wants 35-40 bucks for the switch, and $100 to change the bulb. Thought I try the switch first. Does the switch typically go out, or the bulb?

Any help is appreciated

 

[Blaine B.]

The switch is on top of the transfer case, on the drivers side......almost above where the front driveshaft connects. It has 2 wires. My light doesn't work either, and the bulb is fine. It's not a big deal since I know when 4wd is engauged and when it isn't........Ya know, there is a 4wd lever and plate that has letters on it?

 

[boomer1]

XJ
Thanks for the reply on the switch. I know and you know when we are in 4 wheel drive, but my wife has no idea. After I got it, it snowed. She call that morning and said that she couldn't get it into 4 wheel drive, drove to her work in a snow storm to find out, she was trying to get it into 4 wheel low and was pushing the lever over far enough to get it to drop down in. Drove her jeep down the road, through a few snow drifts and confirmed it was in 4 wheel. Really need to look at getting the light fixed before she forgets and starts driving around on the dry pavement with it in 4 wheel drive.

 

[Blaine B.]

True. Good idea for someone not accustomed to 4wd. Shouldn't be difficult to remove......If you get it out, can you take a picture of the end sticking into the transfer case? I'd be interested to see what it looks like, as I haven't pulled mine out yet.........Thanks!

I'm not sure if you can use a socket or what, I'm guessing an open ended wrench or something.