Bad grinding noise in 4WD?

AIDEN MCLEAN

MEMBER
2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
4.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
201,000 MILES

It snowed real good last night so when I went to take the vehicle listed above to work this morning it made a horrible noise pulling out of the driveway. Thinking it was my driveshaft I got out and wiggled it and it feels fine. So, I’m led to believe it’s my transfer case or differential. I did the differential fluid about a week or two ago and it looked fine, no metal in the oil or uneven wear. All tires are the same size so I’m not sure what could’ve caused it.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

When you serviced the differential, was the new fluid filled to the bottom of the fill hole? Also, have you checked the transfer case fluid to make sure it isn't low?

How would you best describe the noise? On these vehicles, at the front of the front drive shaft, there is a CV-type joint that connects the driveshaft to the front differential. If it is faulty, it will make a ton of noise. Check that for evidence of leaks and make sure there isn't excessive play in it.

I found a few pics online showing the driveshaft.

Let me know what you find. Also, when you check for play, have it in 2wd to prevent pressure on it.

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe

See pics below Pic 1 is from my manual. Pic 2 is a rebuild kit for the joint. I've done several. It's a little time-consuming, but not a difficult job. Pic 3 is the entire shaft.

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Thursday, January 4th, 2024 AT 6:16 PM

AIDEN MCLEAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I went to take off the drive shaft last night after work, seeing how everything else worked and that was the only 100% new part I swapped into it and I noticed one of the pins/clips that hold the u-joint caps in was missing and one of my caps was out pretty far and it was making an aggressive clunk noise because of that.

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Friday, January 5th, 2024 AT 8:16 AM

AIDEN MCLEAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Also, my Jeep doesn’t have that shaft anymore I upgraded to a traditional double carden, nothing but I would not like for those requazzas on my end, lol.

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Friday, January 5th, 2024 AT 8:17 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS