rig1

Ok, does anyone know what this sound might be? I had the jeep on jacks and it was making this noise only in 4H when the wheel was turned left or right.

ol'DixieJeep

MINES DOING THIS TOOO!!!!!

im changing the U-Joints tomorrow. thats what i was told the culprit is. it sounds soooo bad from inside while driving!!!!

CPTslackass

Front axle u joints maybe? Is the sound coming from the front axle or towards the transfer case area?

ol'DixieJeep

Ithought it was my TC but its the U-joing noise and shutter moving through the axel shaft and up the drive shaft making it sound like the tc from inside...

XJdryva

Does nobody but me rip out the cv shaft on the older Cherokees and replace the nasty sounding wheel jerking u joints? Rice burners run those things and they survive. I've even seen some fast ones

treah

they can be strong but alot of us really like the fact that u-joint axle shafts can be rebuilt really quick and to carry an extra u-joint fits just about anywhere. And with xjs it takes just a few basic tools to change a u-joint

ol'DixieJeep

BS! im dreading the change of mine lol i couldnt imagine doing it with simple hand tools in the woods! maybe im just over estimating the replacement of em but it seems like a pain to take em out.

XJdryva

Nobody says you can't bring extra CV shafts with you on the trails. I was under the impression the CV joint was stronger than u joints especially if the wheel is turned. I know where 3 sets of salvage yard jeeps are with cv joints so I can definately get spares

ol'DixieJeep

auto zone carries em for 60-70 i believe... and if they break theyll replace em for free.

XJdryva

They do for full size chevys and I can pull a 4 wheel donut and not knock the wheel out of my hand lol

ol'DixieJeep

i meant price... $60

and even for our XJ's they had em in stock here

AeroSynch

Front Axle U-Joints are the noise. Changing them will eliminate the noise.

XJdryva

I can't remember what attaches them to the actual axle. I've always go the ones with the axle disconnect that I just weld the sleeve in place and grind it down till it fits. I haven't done this to my current Jeep but I would rather do it to my 1 piece axle if it's possible. I'M DEFFINATELY DOING IT THOUGH!!!

rig1

I have replaced the u joints by the front wheels and inspected the u joints on the front and rear drive shaft and they seemed fine, but the key word is "seemed fine". I guess I'll be busy tomorrow replacing the front drive shaft u joints. Oh, why is it only making that noise in 4H and not in 4L? (I know there's no dumb question, but....)

I don't have a press and made it real difficult replacing the u joints by the wheels. I had to use a torch and plenty of lubricant. Maybe I should pick up a 6 ton table top press.

Also, is the bearings in the front differential hard to replace?

Thanks everyone, you all are a great help! Only my second day on this site and have had great help.

rig1

Just in case something comes up tomorrow, is it okay to drive this on the hiway at this condition? Can the front end lock up?