maurice66

2001 Cherokee
120,000 miles
stock
fluids full and clear (diffs,trans-case, transm,)

Noise/whining sound starts at around 25-30 mph in 2wd
noise present while rolling at speed in neutral
engine speed/rpm has no effect on noise
noise present in 2wd or 4wd
lifted all four wheels off ground and ran in gear -no noise
tried to rock the front wheels with hands at 12 and 6 position- no movement
tried to rock at 3 and 9- no movement
If the hub bearing is just starting to go bad will there be "play"?
u joints tight on driveshaft and knuckles.

Where do I go from here?
Thanks for your help.

maurice66

Does someone have any ideas what the noise might be?
Thank you.

jimbofish

Same problem here with 2002 GC with 82,000, except that I haven't tried the off-ground test. I'd add that turning steering and applying brakes makes no change.

I've noticed that it takes a mile or two before it begins and seems to take longer to begin when it's colder outside.

Any ideas?

gscouten

Got the same problem 1999

jimbofish

From the browsing I've been doing today, maybe it's a front wheel bearing due to the fact that it's strictly ground speed affected? I don't know.

Anyone have any experience with them? The assembly seems reasonably priced and relatively easy to replace. Wonder how much it will cost to have it done and if it's best to have this done at the dealer or if any decent shop can do it?

jimbofish

Surely someone must have this problem solved?

Gatchmo5710

Best bet is to turn up the radio more until the noise goes away.

Good luck finding a cure. Wish I could help

big_cox

I am having the same issue with my 99 XJ. Changed fluids, all clear, no metal shavings. Front hubs have been replaced, no change although it did clear up the grinding sound-yeah they were way bad...
A mechanic buddy of mine told me to check the U-joints on the axel and front drive shaft, I don't see how that would make any difference, but I am sure they need to be changed anyways. I am going to try that-those are cheap.
My bet and fear is that its the pinion bearing, hopefully I am wrong!

Rcrivolio

Firs thought is front bearing hub assemblies. If those are the originals at 120,000 miles I would imagine they need to be changed. Its cheap and easy to do on your own just get a BFH. Secondly, I'd check u-joints. If you end up pulling the hubs out to replace them, might as well do the from u-joints while you're in there. Chances are if those are the original hubs, those are the original u-joints and well due for a change.

drhoward1988

Could be hub assemblies, or possibly the pinion bearing. Since the hub assemblies are wear items I'd go ahead and replace them. If noise persist move on to the pinion.

Greg3

Holy Wine noise Batman!

I have a 01 Cherokee and have the very same problem!

Drives me nuts and it's loud. Windows up sound is coming from the trans hump and when the windows down sound comes from the rear.

I am about to strap myself under the Jeep and have the wife drive it. LOL J/K but I think it's the only way to find where the noise is coming from.

Noise starts about 15mph in 2wd or 4wd. High/low 1,2,3 and netural. apply brake..no change.

Turn off Cherokee running 20mph in netural....no change.

I know it's loud because I get alot of looks from people when driving by.

tree392

If you buy something like then lift all 4 tires off the ground and listen to each bearing, hub, diff, t-case front and rear etc... in 4 high, they should all sound smooth. Even when the noise isnt audible to your ear the stethoscope will make even a slightly weak bearing apparent. Always diag a little before throwing parts at something.