Hi all!

I've been lurking and reading for a long time but finally have a question.

I have a 1998 Cherokee 4x4 with the factory "Up country" suspension.
It's all stock (except for 30x9.50-15 tires) , 120,000 miles, 4.0, Automatic.

The problem is a noise. There's a slightly metallic whirring noise from the front end. It's not a grinding sound, it's more whiny but not like a gear whine.
It's totally speed dependent, it starts about 15 mph and just gets louder. It doesn't matter if you're on/off the gas, coasting in neutral or in gear, turning or straight and even if the engine is off or not.


Also, It feels pretty tight (no wobbles or pops or clunks of any kinds) but does have some "death wobble" when braking at highway speeds.


What do you think?

 

The braking sounds like a warped rotor. Take a look at it for any weird wearing or obvious flaws. Some can be machined back to spec, but it would probably just be worth replacing.

As for the whirring, possibly a wheel bearing? Is it an auto?

 

Yes, It's an automatic.
The death wobble is a full on scary, steering wheel whipping one, not just a rotor shimmy.

 

Could be a wheel bearing that is now completely toasted. I would also visually/physically inspect U joints as well - make sure to see if there is any play when you grab and shake the axle ends down, and try jacking up each side and moving the tires back and forth and checking for any play/clunking (this will also help determine a bad wheel bearing - try shaking down the tire in all directions)