front differential noises when turning
 

i have a 97 zj 5.2l and my front differential makes really bad nosies when turning, is that a sign of it going bad?

off topic
does anybody know i where i could try to get my front pinion bearing replace cheaper than a dealership??

jeep offered me 25% off labor, labor an hour is $125

Need more details pertaining to the type of noise/location of noise/ anything that effects of changes the pitch or intensity of the noise.

What he said. It could be anything from a bad ball joint/u-joint to a bad TRE to a rock in the caliper or a bent dust shield. Find out exactly where the noise is coming from and a few more details and let us know.

-Silver

It makes a really load clunking noises at low speeds and when you turn. It goes away under acceleration only if the wheel is straight

If it only does it when turning and accelerating, my bet is on a front CV axle.

I thought the 97 had the solid axle, if so, probably u-joints my guess

Even though it had a solid axle, the grands had cv style shafts. That would be my guess on the noise.

I just bought a 1998 Grand Cherokee with the 4.0 motor.

I have U-Joints up front and not CV axles.

According to the dealer it could come either way. Dealer had a listing for both U-Joint and CV Axles. They did ask me to provide VIN to confirm.

My mechanic told me to get a U-Joint so I went to the parts department at the Jeep dealer where I work.

I had the car checked out yesterday and the u joints on the front axle are bad.. You guys have any idea how hard it is to replace or any special tools required to do the jobs??

Thanks kevin

the job isn't to hard.
tools that you need:
torque wrench capable to 175 ft lbs (I think) for the axle nut
36mm socket for the same nut.
12 pt 13mm socket for the bolts holding the unit bearing on.

1.remove tire.
2. remove axle nut. might be handy to have someone step on the brakes while you try to bust the axle nut loose (the hardest part of the job is getting the nut loose)
3. remove brake caliper then rotor
4. remove 3 13mm bolts, pull off the unit bearing
5. pull axle shaft out

Just replaced my u-joints and it wasn't hard. Just have a open day and take your time. Use jack stands and never place yourself under the axle.

I have a grinding noise in the rear passenger side. it is a consisted noise now, the jeep is a 1999 all wheel drive. any ideas.

Wheel bearing noise?