HI guys,

i m TINUS from holland. (europe)

i bought myself a nice Cherokee 1991.

always loved these machines, and finally able to get e real proper American piece of machinery...

i really enjoy the car, but there is a problem since the beginning.

my car makes an worry-ing noise, which at first seemed to me a defective wheel-bearing.

after lifting the car, all the wheel-bearings seemed to be in a good condition.

However we did find a "radial"play, between the rear-drive-axle, and the transfer case. (1 mm "radial"play) see picture.

question:

could this play be related to the grinding noises ?

does this play seem excessive?

is it a common problem, and can it easily be fixed by changing bearings or anything?


when you have an idea, i would be happy.
thanks in advance.

----------------------------
BEST REGARDS FROM THE NETHERLANDS

TINUS

 

1 mm is a really minor amount of play, even in the slip yoke (as shown in your pic). I'd suggest pulling the slip yoke and the tailcone so you can properly inspect the transfercase output shaft. If you can, you might as well install an SYE.

 

Well I agree with Frank in part. I think a disassembly is in order to inspect the output shaft and the associated components. A SYE will not be required unless your Jeep has been lifted or you plan such an improvement.
First lets find the source of your grinding noise.

 

yes,ok.

Thanks for the advice.

the car was already raised somewhat.
presumably with standard stock parts.
Can i verify this some how??

what is a SYE ?

I ll go on, searching for the grinding noise.
anyone more ideas?? what to check??

ps.
Does anyone has a digital service manual from the 1991.

or an internet link.

Or 1 of the AMC242 engine "High Output" I6.


thanks in advance

 

How to verify if it has been lifted or lifted w/ stock parts?
Hmmm. Tough one there....have pics?
IIIRC anything over 3-3.5" might require a SYE (Slip Yoke Eliminator).
BUT like was just said....need to find the source of the grinding.

Can you determine if the noise is coming from the front axle/driveshaft or the rear? Have you checked the u-joints (universal joints)?

 

stock height on a cherokee is 17 "from the middle of stock wheel to the bottom of fender flair. anything over that you are lifted.

 

If you have a lift on your XJ read this: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/how-install-transfer-case-drop-xj-all-read-239/

 

There should be no play in that output bearing. If it is the bearing, it's not that hard to replace. The output housing unbolts and the bearing is inside of that. I think it's pressed in. Check all the u-joints in both front and rear driveshaft. There is a common issue with the front driveshaft drying out at the cv assembly (the part near the transfer case with two u-joints) and making noises.

What did you do to test out the front wheel bearings?