Hi, I have a 1999 grand Cherokee ZJ. And for a while now there has been a whining/squeaky noise coming from what seemed like the rear n/s wheel. But the last couple of days it has got really bad and sounds like the whole axle is now groaning? Any ideas what this is?

Also the wheels scrub when turning tight slow corners, maybe this is related?? Locking diff jammed on?

If you have an LSD rear axle you should service it by changing the fluid and installing the additive required for the LSD clutches.

Would there be any mechanical damage do you think?

What torque should I tighten diff bolts to?

Pretty tight... nobody torques them... just tighten them...

And I bet its a outer wheel bearing... does it more when turning right because the weight of the vehicle is shifted to the passenger side wheel bearing... your talking about adding additive and stuff but don't even know if you have LSD yet... and the additive doesn't make things quite or loud... of makes the LSD work... or not work... so that's not your problem...

Torque them to tight, and then a quarter turn more

sounds like a limited slip need's new cluid and additive

Sounds like the viscous coupler in transfercase to me..

Fulltime 4wd?

Jack it up, rotate your rear end and check your wheel bearings for slop or rough turning.

Hi, next weekend I am going for the diff oil change. And check out inside the diff. And also clean out the drivers side rear brake. As the inside inspection hole is uncovered. This has probably let moisture and dirt inside, and may be another cause for the whining!!

And sorry, yes, full time 4wd. Quadratrac.

Hi Dave,

did you already make the diff oil change? Is the noise still there?
I have the same squeaky noise from the rear, but especially in right turns. Sometimes I can hear it when accelerating.
Guess it could be the right rear wheel bearing since the noise occurs especially when there is more load on the axle (rear right side).
Does anybody have additional info?

Thanks,
Tambo