i just picked up a 2000 xj, auto, 4x4, 4.0l and everything runs and looks excellent except for one problem. when i am in parking lots or driving less than 10mph there seems to be a binding/rubbing noise coming from the rear end when i turn left or right. the sound is alot more audible the sharper i turn. anything above 15mph, and i dont feel or hear anything.

it almost kinda feels like there is a limited slip clutch diff, like i had in my drift cars. i tried searching but couldnt come up with anything that would lead me to any conclusions.

the truck is all stock with no modifications and it isnt any rubbing issues with the tires or anything. ive pretty much isolated the sound to the rear end. im not sure if its the diff, axles or what not. im hoping some of you might have an explantion or some ideas. thanks!

I also have the same issue.

I own a 2001 XJ, and have the same 'binding' noises from the diff at slow speed, sharp turns.

I'm going to change the diff lube this weekend (may try a lighter grade oil than recommended) to try and remedy the prob.

This may have nothing to do with your problem, but if you have rear drum brakes, check to see if the retainer springs just haven't broken and are scraping the inside of the drum assembly. I had the exact same symptoms / sounds coming from my rear end only when turning at slow speeds. Ended up just being the brakes...

will do...

I was informed by a local 4x4 owner that the spider/pinion gears have a tendency to bind up when the lube gets 'tired'. Sounded good to me at the time - thats why I was going down the diff oil path.

Does the advice given to me have any merit??

Sounds like a bearing issue

hmm, well i plan on doing a full brake job soon, so if the brakes is the problem, then hopefully itll be solved. but i would imagine metal on metal to be more of a high pitched sound. the sound i hear is very low sounding.

i also plan on doing 4.56 gears in the front and rear soon. when doing gears with a rebuild kit, i would assume the bearings would be replaced? if the brakes wasnt the problem, then hopefully by installing new gears, it will help to remedy that sound/binding noise.

Make sure your gear kit includes a Master Rebuild Kit, not just R&P. The noise I was having sounded just like a bad axle bearing, have had that happen before and was prepping myself for the rebuild. So it was a surprise when I removed the drums and found the busted spring assembly scraping inside. Rear end noises are usually simple to trace. Throw it up on jack stands and start spinning the wheels (by hand) and give it a listen.

Pulled apart my rear drums, and found that the right hand side 'self adjustment cable' had jumped off the cable guide.

Popped it back on and adjusted the brakes..... went for a spin around the drive way and noise appears to have gone !! ... (and the park brake works a lot better too - funny that!!)

Thanks 'badandy',... that was a nice piece of advice..

Bill

wow, nice fix! as soon as the weather clears up, im going to take off the rear tires and do a quick visual inspection of the rear drums. ive got nothing to lose!

Sounds like you will have the same issues with your park brake, as opposed to the foot brake side of the rear drums.

I believe that 'binding up' feeling was the brake shoes grabbing at the drum.

'Redhanded' - Hope you have an easy fix, as I did.