I purchased a 1993 XJ. It has an intermittent grinding sound from the left rear wheel when I drive. I thought it was wheel bearings and replaced them, but that wasn't it. It gets faster as I drive faster. Maybe a brake issue? I'd appreciate any advice.

 

sounds like a brake issue to me. especially if you replaced the wheel bearings. when the rear end is off the ground and you spin the tires dose it still make the same sound? it also could be the spider-gears but you would have probably noticed if there was something wrong when you changed the wheel bearings

 

It doesn't do it when I spin the wheel by hand. The Jeep has to get going a little faster. It is loudest at freeway speeds

 

After a lot of research. It's the differential for sure. I guess regearing has been kicked up in priority.

 

I fail to see how a noise from the left rear would indicate a differential problem. Most differential problems are in response to throttle (pinion noise) or at all speeds over 20 MPH (carrier bearings) and they would come from the rear center of the vehicle.

 

Are you sure its not a drum brake sticking or the parking brake sticking ?

 

The noise starts about 20 MPH. It seemed like it came from the left rear, since my window is on the left side, but it's just as likely from the center. I'm a backyard wrench twister, and by no means a professional mechanic. The brake isn't hanging up in any way I can tell. The firends I've described it to all say its pinion or differential bearings. Gear work is super expensive, so I'm looking for any help or advice i can get. I was thinking of swaping out an axle from Craigslist. A local guy has a 8.25 for $100. What years are interchangable. Or maybe should I just drop the money to have a pro check it out?

 

You can use any XJ 8.25. 96 was a cutover year to 29 spline and 97+ were all 29 spline. 29 spline is stronger but any will work. 97+ used different parking brake cables but you can swap them over. I fact I've swapped axles more than once and I pull the shafts and take the whole backing plate/brake assembly off and put it back on the replacement axle. From what you're saying it sounds like carrier bearings.

 

Thanks. That's good helpful info.

 

get the grand cherokee 4 disc brake conversion & brake booster while youre at it!

 

Tell me more about that.

 

Commonly known as ZJ brakes. Go the JY and get the backing plate, discs, pads, calipers, and hoses. Then you fab up new metal brake lines and change the proportioning valve... Not required, but better stopping power.

 

If you get an 8.25 I would do a KJ brake conversion as its bolt on no mods.

 

What about the parking brake?

 

There are a couple aftermarket parts that will help. I can get them if you want when I'm at work tomorrow.