Hey guys, 97 xj sport here. When I'm driving I have a grinding/ 'whirring' noise coming from the front end. I've had the wheel bearings replaced, a new transfer case put in, and have had the differential looked at and they said all bearings were good. I'm at my wits end looking for the cause of this problem. Anyone have any ideas what might be causing it?

 

Welcome Bosscher....Can you fill out your info? (Just curious about that).

Some guys here are pretty sharp. Details on when it makes the noise might help. Any "grinding" from the front, while in 2-WD doesn't sound good. ANY play, or extra heat in the front drive-line U-Joints is not OK. Often something noisy is getting hot as well.

 

It's like a constant spinning 'whirring' noise when I'm driving. Not a harsh grinding noise like a wheel bearing or u-joint would usually sound like. Its easier to hear when I'm coasting, mainly because you don't hear the engine noise then. It does not make a difference if I am in 2 or 4 WD. when I put the car in neutral and rev the engine, I don't get the noise. So it's related to movement is my guess. Let me know what other info I can supply, thanks!

 

Bump

 

My 96 Country is making the same front end noise and it seems to be coming out of the left front - that could be the hub-u joint area or it could be the differential. The noise is very similar to a power steering pump low on fluid but that is not the problem here - fluid in differential is at full mark. It must be a hub assembly, axle u joint or bearings inside the differential housing. I have not attempted any repairs yet since I don't know what the bad part is.

The noise is definitely related to vehicle/gearing movement and begins at about 20 mph and continues so long as the vehicle is exceeding the 20 mph. It does not make the noise until the vehicle is "warmed up" (through driving) and then it's continuous so long as the vehicle is going 20 mph or above. I have not noticed any change in the whine when turning the vehicle left or right.

239,000 and only light off road. Standard tires with about 1-1.5" lift (from "new" specs) all around.

Thanks to all in advance.
Larry