A whinny noise from the rear end

[Red78j10]

I know guys that this site is for FSJ, but I need you help with the wife's Jeep.

My wife drives a 97 Grand Cherokee With the Quadra-trac drive. Ever since we bought it it had this kind of whinny noise from the rear of the jeep. I thought it was just the All-wheel drive, but lately it has got a little louder. I was hoping that maybe one you guys maybe have a grand cherokee that either has or does the same thing. the dealership want's 70 bucks just to look at it. thanks in advance

[Millerluck]

My wife had a 97 GC that was full time 4 wheel drive. The chain in the transfer case would whine. Get on the gas a little and it would get louder. Then when I would let off it would stop for just a sec then whine some more as I slowed down with the engine doing the breaking.

I figured the second that it was silent was when it was between loads.

I hope this helps.

Later

Larry Miller

[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Millerluck ]

[Brown Bear]

Don't worry about it. Believe it or not, it's supposed to make that noise. The noise you hear is just the normal operation of the jeep (another non-advertised standard factory option tongue.gif ). The reason you hear it is because there isn't much sound deadening material between the cab and the rear diff. Later GC came with more padding to remove this noise. I heard this on Car Talk once, and Tom and Ray wouldn't lie to ya, would they?

If you're really worried about it, take it to a mechanic besides the dealer and have them look at it.

[NYC]

I had a '98 GC. It too had a noise in rear. This was more of a low-pitched droan. It turned out to be the pinion bearing.

[Red78j10]

I got on Jeep Unlimited message board and did a research on whinny rear diff. I found at least 12 post where an owner of a GC had to have the front or rear diff replaced.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I would check the rear diff oil level. If it has a magnetic plug check it for metal particles. I am inclined to thing you will be experiancing a failure soon if the howling is getting worse. Start looking for another. :eek: