JSJJ388

So as I was driving my jeep yesterday, I noticed that when I get over 35 mph it starts whining something terrible in the front end. Anybody know what this could be or have this issue? Its also very sluggish getting going.

ZJMAX

AWD, 2WD, or 4WD? Could be a front wheel bearing going out or if AWD the front diff could be buggered. Also if AWD if running mismatched tires that can give you weird issues as well.

MAx

dave1123

OH....Wait! It's a 231, right? Are you sure it's not in 4wd?

JSJJ388

its a limited so its full time 4x4/AWD. not sure if tires match or not as i just go the jeep, but i will check when i get home from work.

dave1123

Okay this is where information is necessary. Your profile says 94 Grand Cherokee with a 4.0 and NP231. Now you're telling us it's a limited with a NP249 and I'm assuming a V8. I'm going to bow out of this because I'm confused. This is not the first time today I've had to beg for info.

JSJJ388

its a 94 grand Cherokee limited with the 4.0. I looked up the specs and the specs and it says it is a np231. the jeep is brand new to me.

JSJJ388

Just changed the oil and put some gear oil in front hogs head but something is still whining. So which would be better to try first bearings or something else?

dave1123

Jack up the front end, both wheels off the ground, and see if you can turn the front driveshaft by hand. If not, the t/case is in 4wd regardless of what the shifter says. If that's the case, that's why it's binding. 4wd with a 231 is only to be used on loose or slippery surfaces. Check the shift linkage to see if the pivot bushing mounted to the frame has popped out of it's socket.

JSJJ388

then it must not be a 231. the 4x4 shifter only has 3 positions, 4H(FULL TIME), NEUTRAL, 4L. I will try jacking it up tomorrow after work. Ill also check the linkages though it clicks into place very distinctly.

dave1123

Okay, that's the np249 and it is AWD. The 231 has a shift pattern that says 2wd, 4wd, neutral, and 4lo. It may be your viscous clutch is bad. They are expensive to replace and require disassembly of the transfer case. Most guys when faced with this problem swap to either a 231 or 242.

JSJJ388

so i jacked it up and could turn both front wheels. however i noticed that the front driveshaft has some play in it at the front differential, i dont think it is supposed to. also i think its leaking from that bearing, should know tonight since i washed the undercarriage yesterday.

dave1123

Both front wheels WILL turn (and in opposite directions) because of the differential, but the DRIVESHAFT won't if it's in 4wd. That's academic now because the 249 is ALWAYS in 4wd. I'm saying the viscous clutch is locked up so you don't get the designed-in slippage you're supposed to get. As long as it's screwed up already, you could take off the front shaft and drive it that way until you decide what to do.

You may have put enough stress on the front differential to overload the pinion bearings causing the seal to start leaking.

The 249 was designed for people that wanted the benefits of 4wd and not have to worry about a shifter to get it. It was quite popular with women for that reason, not to stereotype women, of course. All the new models are electronic at the push of a button.

JSJJ388

ok. I will pull the drive shaft then. I have a parts jeep that im getting brought over soon. Its the exact same model so I will probably pull the tcase from it and put in as well as some other odds and ends.