Topic: Faint Squeeking Noise

[Dan Marino]

Folks,

I get a faint squeeking noise when my YJ is in motion.  If the vehicle is coasting to a stop in neutral I hear the faint squeeking noise.  I also hear the same exact noise when the car is in gear and going down the road.  It sorta sounds like it could be related to the rolling of the wheels.  Do you think it is related to the wheel bearings or differentials needing lubrication?  The noise sorta pulsates and is faster or slower in unison with the speed of the vehicle.  

Thanks for the suggestions.

13

[Jeffy]

Most likely, it's your brakes.  On disc brakes, there is a piece of metal that is designed to rub against the disc when the pads are low.  At first they scrape very lightly but as the pas wears down even more, they get louder.  Lightly tapping the brake usually gets them to squeak.

It usually means the brakes need to be replaced although sometimes, they get bent and start making noise prematurely.  You can take plyers and bend the tabs out a bit to stop them from making noise.  This usually lasts a few month as there is enough brake pad left.

If anything it's a place to start.

[Gearhead2.5]

If it's not the brakes , the next place I'd look is the front hub/unit bearings , a common problem / failure prone item.

[hozer]

Well, I tell my wife to turn up the radio and the noise will go away. Also you might want to check the bushings in the front end. After time the will dry up or moisture builds up.

[Dan Marino]

Jeffy and Gang,

Thanks for the replies.  Yes, the sound is similar to the squeeking that Jeffy mentioned related to brake pads wearing down and the metal clip rubbing (I've heard that before).  I'll check out the brakes, but I don't believe that is the problem since I put on new rotors and pads in September.

Gearhead, what exactly is a front hub/unit bearing?  Is it something I can check or replace myself?

Happy Jeeping!

[Gearhead2.5]

Hub/unit bearings are what your front wheel roll on , they bolt to the steering knuckle , the axle is splined which engages an internal spline in the drive flange. 87 and up wranglers use this design , older models had wheel bearings that could be serviced and re-packed . Hub / unit bearings are non-servicable and are throw away's , like a lot of things today , when worn out they are removed and replaced.

[Dan Marino]

Thanks Gearhead.

So how can I tell if the hub/bearing assembly is worn and in need of replacement?  Would there be play/slop in the hub?  Would it just make a terrible grinding noise?  I'm guessing the replacement hubs are expensive, right?

[Jeffy]

Lift the tire off the ground, grab hold if it and shake.  There should be a little movement but not a lot.

Hubs can be rebuilt but you need a press to do it.  Most people shell out the $100-150 for a complete hub.

[Dan Marino]

Thanks Jeffy.  I've got a 3 day weekend coming up, so I'll have some time to look into it.

By the way, who is that girl in your signature picture?

[Jeffy]

http://www.4bangerjp.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=581