The other day I was driving my 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo on the highway and some jackwagon cut me off and slammed on the brakes. I hit the brakes and swerved to avoid hitting him, and a few miles down the road noticed an awful squealing (grinding?) noise. After slowing down it started to go away, and then came back so I pulled over, took a look at the engine, belts, etc. and didn't notice anything immediately wrong, so drove some more and it came back. Usually sounds and drives fine at low speeds, but then has difficulty getting up to speed and the noise comes back around 45 mph. It's slightly noticeable when turning at low speeds. With my limited knowledge, I'm thinking it is either a bearing or u-joint, but definitely would like some input from the forum so have at it!

Thanks

 

You should post this in the Grand Cherokee forum, but I'd recommend you see if your brakes are dragging. Roll forward on level ground and see if you slowly roll to a smooth stop or if the brakes "stick" at all. Another option is to drive at highway speeds for a few miles and slow down and stop without using the brakes except at the way end. They should be cool. If not, they're dragging.