Topic: Odd noise coming from below the Jeep

[sharpxmen]

sounds like a u-joint, but the fact that is not repeating as often as it should for 35mph (sounds slower) makes me think it could be a wheel bearing or axle shaft u-joint

take the d/s out and try again, that can tell you if it's from the front axle or not.

[Jeffy]

That rhythmic sound half way through the clip?  Kinda hard to tell with all the tire noise and crap being flung there.

[sharpxmen]

i think that's what he's referring to, it does not sound to be as "quick" as the driveshaft for that speed (but i could be wrong).

[jfrabat]

Actually, now that you mention it, a wheel bearing makes more sense; I think Sharp is right; the rhythm is too slow at 35mph to be the DS.  I'll try to take the front DS out this weekend (although I may end up going to the beach, so I am not sure I'll have time, even though it is a quick thing to do).

[jfrabat]

That rhythmic sound half way through the clip?  Kinda hard to tell with all the tire noise and crap being flung there.

Yeah, it starts at about 8" in, and lasts to about 16" in.  Then it stops as a coasted, and then it starts again...

[sharpxmen]

only other thing i can think of is the chain/sprocket in the t-case

[sharpxmen]

(although I may end up going to the beach, so I am not sure I'll have time, even though it is a quick thing to do).

f*ck the beach, Jeep is more important.
or... you just want to look at topless chicks (i know you're married but that doesn't make them invisible or you blind).

[jfrabat]

OK, I took the front DS out, but no change...  So I put it back on.  I did notice that there was a small leak on the front differential at the bearing (the DS side), and it seems to be spilling a bit when it turns (there were traces of oil on the oil pan, the radiator hose, the power steering pump, and suspension, the frame, etc, and it was all seen in the plane of the U joint).  I checked the oil level, and it was a bit low, but nowhere near dry: i did refill it, though.  Anyway, I am now stumped, so I am open to suggestions (including my wife's suggestion of just taking it to the mechanic!).

[neale_rs]

The next step would be to jack up each wheel and turn it by hand to see if you notice anything strange.  When my front bearings went bad you could actually hear then making scraping sounds when turned by hand, a bit more use and they might have failed on the road.

[Jeffy]

Also push and tug the wheel.

[sharpxmen]

if it did the same with the d/s out and you're sure it's in the front then it's from the front axle. suspend the front and check it, you should be able to figure out where is coming from.

[grumpygy]

only other thing i can think of is the chain/sprocket in the t-case

That's what I thought.

[Jeffy]

That's what I thought.

That shouldn't be turning unless he's in 4WD and with no front driveshaft that eliminates the yoke from turning if he had a LSD or locker.

[jfrabat]

Yeah, the TC should not be turning without the front ds, so I am ruling that out.  I am thinking more wheel bearing... 

[jfrabat]

Dropped the Jeep off at the shop today.  Asked them to do some regular maintenance work (oil change, grease it up, etc.), look into the odd sound, and fix the front diff retainer, as oil was leaking from there...  Should have an estimate tomorrow!