I need some feedback from you guys before I go dumping money on my xj.

I have a 97 cherokee sport with just under 130k on it. It has recently started making a thrumming noise coming from the front driver's side (i'm guessing the frequency is about 40Hz). It really is only noticeable between the speeds of 60mph and 75mph. To me it sounds like a wheel bearing but my experience in the past with wheel bearings is that you can make it sound different by going around bends or changing lanes. (ie go from the right lane to the left lane and the sound gets quieter, go from the left lane to the right lane and the noise gets louder. This isn't the case with this sound. it is always the same regardless of how you turn the wheel. It does get to its loudest point between 65 and 70. it's so bad it makes my keyring buzz. So, what do you think guys? Is it a wheel bearing or is there something else wrong. The tires are fairly new so I wouldn't expect that those are giving me problems.

 

Sounds like ring and pinion to me.

 

Move left front tire to the rear to see if noise moves, If tire is choppy it will make same noise in some cases as a bearing.

 

I have a '94 XJ with over 220,XXX on it. I just replaced both my front wheel bearings for that same reason. Mine was really bad around 70mph, but would lighten up around 55-60mph. I replaced both of mine this past weekend.....

So, much better now, well, for the most part, now I can hear other noises that make me wonder....

But anyways, that is what mine was, and it's a TON better now.

If you plan to do it yourself, and I'm not sure if this is the same torque spec, but the axle nut torque is 175 ft-lbs. And the 3 hub bolts are 75 ft-lbs. that's for a '94.

Hope this helps,
Good luck.

J

 

Wow, thanks for all of the input. Is it good policy to replace both front bearings at the same time? Or can you do them each on an as-needed basis?