Need some xj help - the sooner the better

[Sitting Bull]

OK, you guys can berate me for posting an XJ question later...right now please help if you can.

This Saturday, we got into a minor fender bender (some lady rear-ended me, about 7-8 mph or so). No real damage but the bumper, trim, maybe a quick uni-body check, etc.) but the bumper itself is even very minor. It's been perfect other than that...thats the history.

Jolie came to me tonight and said she heard a grinding sound while turning right. So I got in the Jeep and took her for a test-drive. Only got it to do it once on several turns. It was a geary-poppy sound, probably 3 nocks a second for 3 seconds. It did not do this "full lock" turn.

I know very little about the XJ's, and any help would be appreciative before she drives 150 miles tomorrow with Wyatt in the backseat.

The one thing I checked was to see if it was the x-fer case somehow engaged. The front driveshaft does turn when the Jeep is rolling...but thanks to a quick conversation with Steve (GaWag), we deducted it's only because of the hubs...we're pretty sure they are full-time hubs (stock), and that the xfer case isn't turning the shaft, it's the gears.

Any XJ experts that can offer me some insight?

Thanks!!!
Brad

[Georgia Mike]

The XJ's hubs are in fact a direct drive type. Some early models used a vacuume disconnect on the axle tube,up to about '91 or so. As far as the grinding is concerned,that sounds like a classic hub bearing noise. Jack up the front of the vehicle and try to wobble each wheel. If there's any play,I'll bet you money that's what it is. If it turns out this is the problem, get ready to take it dry at the parts store on it. They run about $120 each :( If you need to see how to replace it,click the link for R&R instructions.
http://offroad.com/jeep/cherokee/2001/02_feb/bearing/index.html

[2ndtimearround]

Could be a u-joint as well. Does it sound like a locker "click" or more of a "grind"?

My YJ just eat an axle U-joint -- early symptoms were of a "click" like a locker going arround turns.

While jacking up the front end like Georgia Mike suggests, take a good look at the u-joints. If your end up doing the hubs, do the u-joints as well for good measure while you have 'em a part.

You'll need a 13mm -- 12 point socket if memory servers me right to remove the hub, plus a 36 mm 6 point for the axle nut.

Good luck.

Lawrence

[Sitting Bull]

Thanks for the help guys!!!

[billyrb]

Brad, if you need to buy those parts, shoot me an email. I may be able to get a better price for you w/ a contact.

[Georgia Mike]

Well,what was it? :D I'm all curious and stuff now!

[Kukur]

My CJ pops when I turn Left... but that is the body cracking on top of the body mounts :(

Hopefully will get some plates and weld them in to fix it.