Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here! ZJ (93-98), WJ (99-04), WK (05+)
All ZJ/WJ/WK specific tech questions asked here!

creeking sound in rear

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-13-2010, 01:58 PM
  #1  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
x91j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straigh 6
Default creeking sound in rear

Hey guys. I have a 95 zj and today I was turning and everytime I turned it made this redicoulas creeking sound. I was thinking maybe the rear diffs low? N I havnt looked at it yet
Old 05-13-2010, 03:01 PM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
Michigan Jeeper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

would be an awful, grinding noise if it was low. creaking would be suspension related.. most likely a spring
Old 05-13-2010, 03:20 PM
  #3  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
x91j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straigh 6
Default

oh alright. it does it if i turn right or if i turn left. which ever way i turn thats where the sound comes from. you think warn shocks would do that?
Old 05-13-2010, 04:36 PM
  #4  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
x91j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straigh 6
Default

anyone?
Old 05-13-2010, 04:48 PM
  #5  
Eva
Member
 
Eva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO Straight 6 cyl
Default

Slide under your Jeep, and have someone bounce the bumper. If the shocks are worn, yes, it could be making the springs squeak. You could also have a worn or missing body mount or cushion, sllowing too much body or frame flex.
Old 05-13-2010, 04:58 PM
  #6  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
x91j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straigh 6
Default

So its a no on the low diff fluid? I figured it was low causing fluid to rush to one side of the axle than the other on a turn. But once again I'm a noob when it comes to this stuff
Old 05-13-2010, 05:03 PM
  #7  
Eva
Member
 
Eva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO Straight 6 cyl
Default

Usually a low diff will make a grinding noise. To check, just go underneath to the pod, and undo the plug. You should be able to feel the oil right there just at the level of the hole. If it's low, fill it (put the plug back it tight) and take her for a test drive and see if the problem's resolved. Most of the creaking I've experienced in light, medium and heavy duty trucks is suspension or mounts.

And FYI, our GC's are the right age to be losing body mounts. The rubber dryrots a bit, and breaks off around the bolt. No biggie to replace it, so long as you can get the bolt out.

Last edited by Eva; 05-13-2010 at 05:06 PM.
Old 05-13-2010, 05:26 PM
  #8  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
x91j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straigh 6
Default

Originally Posted by Eva
Usually a low diff will make a grinding noise. To check, just go underneath to the pod, and undo the plug. You should be able to feel the oil right there just at the level of the hole. If it's low, fill it (put the plug back it tight) and take her for a test drive and see if the problem's resolved. Most of the creaking I've experienced in light, medium and heavy duty trucks is suspension or mounts.

And FYI, our GC's are the right age to be losing body mounts. The rubber dryrots a bit, and breaks off around the bolt. No biggie to replace it, so long as you can get the bolt out.
lol very true about the bolts! umm another question...whats the best way to go about getting that plug out without destroying it.
Old 05-13-2010, 06:08 PM
  #9  
Eva
Member
 
Eva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO Straight 6 cyl
Default

Don't tell me- it's never been out?
Old 05-13-2010, 06:10 PM
  #10  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
x91j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straigh 6
Default

lol i just got it last week. i had a 91 xj but this is the firsttime i have ever delt with diffs
Old 05-13-2010, 06:53 PM
  #11  
Eva
Member
 
Eva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO Straight 6 cyl
Default

Well, if it's a normal diff, there is a steel plug in the pumpkin (the center round part) of the rear axle. It should be about halfway to the top, and is usually toward the front of the vehicle. Depending on who's been there, you'll need an alan key or a flat screw driver to remove the plug. Someone on this forum actually had a rubber plug in their diff, so no telling what you could find. Someone else said some of the rear diffs are unserviceable, which seems unlikely to me. However, tossing those out there, just in case.

If you run into problems, please say which rear diff you have. Good luck!
Old 05-13-2010, 08:19 PM
  #12  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
x91j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straigh 6
Default

So I would just have to pry it off with a flat head? And thanks for your help!
Old 05-13-2010, 08:22 PM
  #13  
Eva
Member
 
Eva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO Straight 6 cyl
Default

No, no... if regular metal plug, it screws into the pumpkin housing. (Righty tighty, lefty loosey... ;-) ) If rubber plug, yes on pry off.
Old 05-13-2010, 08:37 PM
  #14  
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
 
x91j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 5,390
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straigh 6
Default

haha ok got it!
Old 05-13-2010, 08:40 PM
  #15  
Eva
Member
 
Eva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO Straight 6 cyl
Default

Oh, and you're welcome! Good luck!


Quick Reply: creeking sound in rear



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:02 PM.