I read the following thread:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showth...wheel+bearings

I am having the exact symptoms on my 1997 XJ. The poster of the above thread believed that he did not have bad bearings. I am frustrated that there is no "end" to the story, and I am still thinking this person needed wheel bearings. But I don't want to throw parts at sounds. That can get expensive.

I have done the 3 and 9 oclock test. I can't move it, but I am not sure that is a good test. The front pinion looks good and I can't move it.

So -- should I throw some parts at this?

 

at the very least try repacking the bearings.........use High temp wheel bearing grease.

 

it could be your axle joints

 

If you have a constant noise like the other poster, it is prob the pinion brgs int the rear axle, if the brgs have failed the noise will be constant. Put the vehicle on a lift or jack stands and spin it up and see if you can determine the source

 

Thanks for the replies. I did change the rear diff fluid yesterday and drove it today. Everything looked fine and the job went without any hangups. However, the sound is still there. The sounds seems to come from the front, but it is difficult to tell and I would not be surprised to be wrong about that.

Let me add something else to this. About 2 years ago, the t-case let go. I got it rebuilt at a local shop. It was doing well, but the linkage was a little sketchy after the rebuild. In other words, it was more difficult to get it into the correct gear. Last February, we got a little snow and my wife put in 4wd. She told me it was driving funny and I found that it was in 4WD Part-Time. I think the t-case chain is stretched, but I am leaving it in 2WD for now. I don't think this is related, but . . . . you never know.

It may be the rear pinion. However, if it were, wouldn't I expect to see leaking around the rear pinion seal? What is the diagnostic for the rear pinion?