'96 Cherokee, 171k miles. When starting, loud vibration/grinding emanates from what sounds to be the passenger's side front wheel. At first, I thought it might be something with the exhaust assembly (rusted u-bolt rattling around) but they all seem tight.

Only makes noise when starting out from a stop and briefly after shifting into second. Does not make the noise past 2500-3000 rpms, and it does not make the noise in reverse. Noise seems to be worse when starting the Jeep from cold as opposed to starting from a stop light.

I posted a few videos below. The sound is hard to pick up on the video (need headphones), but it is very loud inside the Jeep.

Thought it might be the wheel bearings, but I only hear it when I accelerate on the gas going forward - and I notice it on more on turns, too.

Just had the clutch and leaf springs replaced last week - didn't start making noise until a few days later.

Any help/advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!


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more videos..
http://www.youtube.com/user/leggerott?feature=guide

 

Perhaps you can get you xj off all fours on jack stands on a level surface preferably and put it in 1st gear and let it idle in 1st at that point would year hear the noise? if so get out and pin point where it is coming from.