Thursday, April 28, 2016

Wheel bearing noise, 91 cherokee?


I've got a 91 jeep Cherokee sport 4x4 5speed. And just recently it developed a noise that sounds just like a wheel bearing going out. Happens at speed 30mph+.

I narrowed it down to the front right. So I replaced everything at once, (both wheel bearing/hubs, both axle u-joints, both axle seals, both upper and lower ball joints, the tier rod end at the pitman arm-adjusting sleeve-drag link, and bot tie rod ends of the tie rod, and the track bar lower bushings.)
Got an alignment, and the noise is still there.

I remembered my transfer case leaks so I drained it (very little and black gear oil.) And then topped it off with fresh oil and took it for a drive. Noise seemed to be gone. But now this morning on my way to work the noise was back and just as loud.

I doubt it's the front axle bearings by the diff. I also doubt it's my rear axle, because the whole axle was rebuilt completely with an Eaton Detroit locker. (Ford 8.8 axle)

It could be my front driveshaft (it's the 4 driveshaft I've swapped in one year) or the rear driveshaft. But I don't believe u-joints would imitate a wheel bearing howl.

Just a month ago I changed engine oil, transmission oil, and front and rear diff oil. (Obviously forgot the t-case) so I don't see how an internal bearing could be going.

And like I said it's dependent on speed only, not engine rpm.

Any brainstorming is greatly appreciated.

(I do know that I need new heim joints on both of my long arms at the chassis end.)

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