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

 

would be an awful, grinding noise if it was low. creaking would be suspension related.. most likely a spring

 

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?

 

anyone?

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

Don't tell me- it's never been out?

 

lol i just got it last week. i had a 91 xj but this is the firsttime i have ever delt with diffs

 

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!

 

So I would just have to pry it off with a flat head? And thanks for your help!

 

No, no... if regular metal plug, it screws into the pumpkin housing. (Righty tighty, lefty loosey... ;-) ) If rubber plug, yes on pry off.

 

haha ok got it!

 

Oh, and you're welcome! Good luck!