ok guys i just bought my 01 xj 4wd auto 90k miles 4.0 I-6.......i dont know the names of the transmissions and all that stuff. but i have some questions about when i am driving down the road. ok so i test drove the jeep and it didnt make any noises with the stock tires it had on it then i buy it the nest day with 235/70r16 bfg t/a on it and i will be driving down the road and turn the wheel slightly to the right and ill hear a groaning/whirring noise......am i being being paranoid about my jeep by mistaking this noise with road noise? it also makes the same noise when just coasting at about 20mph and up...only noticed it in 2wd...... thats my first issue.
next issue...i will be driving slowly...30mph and under and here something catching.....it sounds like ive picked something up on the road and it catches every 2 seconds..hard to subscribe....and that noise is coming from the front.

sorry if this is too vague.....also the first issue i believe is coming from the front but not 100%sure.
and ive checked the transfercase and front differential for lube and they are at the right amount. the front bushings and joints seems to be greased up enough .......
any feedback would be much appreciated so that i can start driving my jeep like a jeep offroad...thanks
Josh

 

Jack your front end up and check each wheel for any play; up and down, left and right, out and in... If there is any, then you need to inspect further, because a bearing or u-joint could be shot.

 

Groaning and whirring is usually associated with power steering. Mine groans and whirs all the time because it's old and probably needs replaced...

 

i just jacked it up and the wheels had no play they were solid......power steering possibly....not worried about that but the noise when i am cruising at about 20mph and up and turn left is definitely coming from the rear.....possible rusty brakes?? it does not make the sound worse when i press the brakes but maybe they are catchin on something?? because my brakes are rusty....differentials all have proper amount of fluid in them.....it has yet to show any major signs of wear on the ride of the jeep but i'd like to try my best to narrow my issue down before it might cost me a fortune

 

Jack the rear end up, chock the front wheels, remove the rear wheels, pop the drums off, and check them out. There's a write up on this site on how to overhault the rear brakes. I suggest you take a look. Go to the "XJ Write-Ups" section...

 

Do any of the noises go away when you press your brakes? That is a definite indicator of a dragging brake.

 

are you running 235/70/16's? with no lift? on stock wheels? could just be tires rubbing. check the inside fronts for marks

 

Opie, are you down by the duck pond?

 

the catching sound from the front could be a bent brake dust shield, or a rock in there.

i dont know about the noise, but if its truly coming from the wheel its prolly the bearings.

 

thanks for the help guys i will get right on these...just got back from vacation....and keep you posted with what the noise is

 

Have similar noises in my wheels. Its when I coast when turning to the left (at any angle) above 20mph. Little different situation but I'm sure its the same noise. I've learned to ignore it because I know in my Jeep nothing is causing damage or anything like that, I was concerned when I first heard it too. If anything id suggest to look at it would be ujoints and wheel bearings.

 

I think someone mentioned it above but check the front brake dustshields. If they look close, just bend them out a little with a screwdriver. Also, check the inside of the front wheels. If their aftermarket wheels and have the wrong backspacing, you could be rubbing a tie-rod.

 

alright guys had a weekend free so i did my front brakes....bent the dust shield back to the correct position...catchin sound is gone.....as for the hum in the rear when i turn...could be rear brake drum ...not worried about it....could be ujoint....easy fix.....not a wheel bearing or differential....phew....ive learned to accept strange noises bc after all it is a jeep and its got plenty of miles left to go...thanks for the replies...sorry it took so long to get back
thanks again
Josh