Just a couple days after returning from vacation, started having issues with rear end noise and vibration. Vibration would taper off once speed increased. Was told by friend probably wheel bearings. But, before I could get that taken care of, my daughter was driving down our street, low speed and heard what she referred to as a "bang" and then alot of vibration. She was able to get it back home and jeep is in driveway. There is fluid that has leaked from the rear end. I'm a single mom and mechanically challenged. Son's friend looked at it and said it was something to do with the rear end?

Any advice would be appreciated. Funds are limited and this is my only form of transportation.

Julie

 

Is this guy able enough to open the diff cover and and just see whats going on in there. Since the fluid is draining anyways taking the diff cover off will have to happen regardless. You can get used read end pretty cheap at most $100 and you could put an ad on craigslist and i am sure a jeeper would come swap it for you for way less than a shop. ( I would if I were closer)

 

What would we be looking for in taking off the cover? Of course it's been raining here for a week too and the darn jeep won't fit in my garage

 

if something went bang it should be easy to spot when the cover is removed it should be 13mm socket andd ratchet needed to remove the cover , does your sons friend now how to check the u joints on drive shaft

 

Loud bangs usually mean failed metal somewhere, it could be a bearing but since you are losing fluid you should take the cover .You will have to when you fill it with new fluid (Diff cover has a fill plug but no drain plug) because you dont want to just mix new oil with old oil in the axle. Taking it off will give you a chance to see if the gears are still good and you will be able to turn the hubs and see if your axle shafts are broken. If any of these are the case a new (used) rear end would be best option. Here is a pic of a good diff and bad diff. Is your GC a v8?

 

I'm not sure. I'll search online to figure out what they look like. He did say something about not being able to use reverse but other gears are OK? Does that make any sense? I'd also read something online about being able to drive it in 4wd? I'm just afraid to try and drive it somewhere for repair.

 

Now that would be a bang right there!

 

it's a 4.0L/6 Cyl.

 

Hard to hear over the Justin Bieber CD.

 

Did you see where I am from no rain complaints from you

 

if you can get a hand with removeing the cover and get some pic on here im sure some one will look at them and help with the issue ,removing the coveris simple jeep does not need to be jack up most likely for this removal

 

Is this a manual or automatic, can he not put it in reverse or it wont go when put in reverse?

 

Ok- I'll quit complaining about the weather

From what you all are telling me and what son's friend said- it's all starting to add up. When son gets home I'll make sure that cover was removed and that's what they looked at.

Jeep is an automatic.

I really appreciate all your help! Will get back here later with more info!!

 

Well, the jeep is still in the driveway Found a mobile repairman on clist and he's quoted me $200.00 for parts and $400.00 for labor!! A little out of my budget at the moment unfortunately. So, I'm still looking.

 

whats he fixing