I am getting a whinning noise from the front of my 04 Grand Cherokee. It is not all of the time but when it is there it is continuous. When going fast the pitch of the noise is high, the slower I go the lower the pitch is and when I go realy slow it stops, applying the brakes has no effect on it.
OK, Chances are better than 80% that you have a bad hub bearing on the drivers side. To get to it, you must remove the brake assembly and axle retaining nut (do nut first with vehicle on ground, tire on) If wheel has removable plastic center, remove it for access, or use spare tire. The hub itself is bolted to the steering knuckle. Sometimes it is rusted in and is a bit difficult to get loose... also, sometimes the axle splines get rusted the same way...(I usually put the axle nut back on, backwards, so that it is flush with the axle end, and tap on it with a hammer to break the axle free. ANY roughness when turning bearing by hand indicates failure. You cannot load bearing by hand as much as it is actually loaded with vehicle weight on it. The hub & bearing are factory assembled and can be purchaced as a unit for about $125, or junkyard part at about $35. Install in reverse of removal... put lube on axle spline andaround bearing housing to make install a bit easier. Torque axle nut to specs and don't forget cotter pin. (if hole does not line up, tighten nut till it does...don't back off to align!) Though I don't recommend driving with a bad bearing, they are big and tough and since noise just started, you likely can get away with this for a short time without any damage. Don't forget to check axle joints while you're there. If "X" joints, This is the best time to lube them,,, if they are binding at all, replace them.
Good luck!
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No it doesn't get louder when turning. The noise does stop at when the
vehicle is stopped, but only comes back when the vehicle is in motion
not when rpm's are increased. I can tell that it is coming from the
drivers side. I have checked the diff. fluid and it is full.
Thanks Thundergod, I did as you said and that fixed it, the tip about the spare tire was a great help. thanks again
Does the noise get louder when making turns? if so, it may be a hub bearing. Does the noise stop when the vehicle is at rest with the engine running? If so, does it come back if engine speed is increased(while still at rest)? Is the noise present if you place the vehicle in neutral and coast for a bit (on a straight road)?
Before doing anything else, check the front differential for fluid level and leaks ... with the fill nut removed from the cover, you should be able to reach fluid with a finger. If not it's low. (if very low you may have damaged carrier or pinion bearings,) Also check the power steering pump fluid level. check lines to steering box for leaks.
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