Hi all,
First off, I'm sorry if this question has been covered to no end... I've searched all over the other 'strange noise' posts and haven't found anything referencing the same symptoms.
Second, I am pretty new to jeeps, so I realize this might just be an 'ignorant noob' situation. Again, sorry if that turns out to be the case.

Here's the story: I've had my 2000 xj 4x4 for about 3 weeks. Everything works almost perfectly, minus the intermittent airbag light (which I've tracked, via these forums, to a non-critical problem with the clock spring). Engine runs very well, everything feels tight. The only thing that concerns me is this odd whining/soft grinding noise that only happens when I turn right. It is most noticeable on gradual turns-- say 15-35 degrees turn of the wheel. It seems to be quieter if I'm on the gas. The noise is not particularly loud or terrible sounding. You can't hear it if the stereo is at a moderate volume. However it is noticeable if the stereo is off.

A friend of mine made a comment about Jeeps making some odd noises due to their low gearing. I'm hoping it's nothing serious, but obviously I want to know if something is really wrong. Has anyone else had this problem? or is this just something that all 4x4 jeeps do? Any help is appreciated, and again, please pardon my greenness.

-d

 

Its your rear differential.Its supposed to do that.It keeps your wheels from spinning at different speeds.

 

whine/grind when turning in one direction but not the other is often a wheel bearing. Or you might have a front u-joint starting to bind. (which is what caused mine to do what yours is)

 

Thanks for the help, guys...

Wheel bearings were my first thought, but the sound seems to come from the right when turning right. Wouldn't the noise come when the wheels are under extra load (turning left)?

What did you have to do to fix the u-joint binding? Is that serious or would it just need some lube?

And if it's just the rear diff, why does it only make the noise when turning right and not left?

 

to fix the U joint it has to be changed, grinding and whining is to late to lube. give it about three hours if you are handy with a wrench, and loc-tite the spindle bolts. U joints are side specific unless at full lock, at least what I went through, to find out if it is U joints jack the front up and move the wheel by hand you'll feel it if it's bad. If one is going the other will follow, mine were about two months apart. as far as the rear goes do you have a LSD or anything to the like?...if so try some diff fluid made for LSD and lockers.

 

As mentioned above, replacement is the fix. Mine didn't feel loose yet but there was a good amount of rusty powder around the edge of the bearing caps. When I pulled them out there was nothing but rust where grease should be. I'm betting they would've felt loose in short order, lol.
The good ones (IMHO) don't have grease fittings, so when it's time...it's time.