[Tahoemudslinger]

It started the other day when i was leaving work, I put it in reverse and it made a slight sqeaking noise, then i took off in forward gears and it was fine. The next day it did it again and even did it in the forward gears for a second then disappeared. Yesterday, I left work and it didn't sqeak in reverse, but when i accelerated out of the parking lot it sqealed a bit and disappeared after I reached 15 or 20 MPH. Then I drove up the road, and when I reached 30-40MPH it started to vibrate a bit in the rear, I think. Now for today, it vibrated again and sqealed when I take off from a dead stop. I have an auto tranny and an NP 231 tc, I am also lifted on a 4.5" in front and rear with 33x12.5's. I have been told to check the motor mounts as well as tranny mounts. And check the rear DS and front DS, and U-joints on both.I checked all places I have been told about and appear to be okay. Can some one PLEASE help... this vibe is annoying and I don't like it when my baby isn't running good. Please HELP!!!!

[98XJ]

my exhaust rubs on my leaf springs sometimes and sounds like someone is stepping on a mouse. just throwing that out there

[CJ7-Tim]

We are going to assume that your have already checked the torque on all your lift parts.

Squeaks and vibes most commonly are related to u-joints issues. When was the last time you changed u-joints ? Looking at a u-joint only gives evidence of their condition when they have been failed for many miles and the needle bearing are rusting or the body is loose in the caps.

U-joints are inexpensive and simple to replace. Once you are done you can confident that your axle u-joints are in good condition for many future miles and you can determine if your noises have gone away or you can continue your diagnostic checks.

[Tahoemudslinger]

So do I have to take my DS's off to determine if the U joints have gone bad? Or can I tell by trying to shake my DS from laying under the jeep? It's defintely not the exhaust rubbing already checked that too. This is a vibration that I haven't felt before. Is there wheel bearings of some sort in the rear that would be causing this vibration?

[dadjlh]

Remove front drive shaft and see if the squeal goes away. Could be u-joint on that drive shaft. Common problem.

[Tahoemudslinger]

I have hung out the door with a buddy driving and it sounds like the rear. Not positive though just sounds like it.

[CJ7-Tim]

Start with the most common problem and the most obvious solution.

You can pull the rear DS and use 4-hi to create a front wheel drive jeep. Noise gone ? Replace u-joints.

[Tahoemudslinger]

I will remove the rear DS and see if the problem still exists, and then maybe even the front DS to see if those u joints are bad as well.


***I don't have a SYE, but have shims in the rear and have never had this problem before with my jeep. I have had it lifted for almost 2 years and never a vibe once from not having a SYE. ***

[XJ Jay]

sounds like a u joint

[Tahoemudslinger]

How do I refill the ATF fluid in my Transfer case whenm I am done putting my rear DS back in?

[98XJ]

I have the different style NP231 than you do but I'm guessing its the same. There should be two allen bolts the bottom one is the drain the top one is the fill. Remove the fill plug and pump in atf till it pours outs.

[Tahoemudslinger]

So, I just wanted to thank you guys for the help. I removed my rear DS today and when I was pulling the yoke from the TC I felt the upper U joint had some play, so I took it out and there it was, the needle bearings had exploded in one end of the u joint. Even broke the cap that holds the bearings in place. I replaced the upper u joint and took her for a spin and...waala! No more vibe and no more horrid sqeaking.



This is a perfect example of why I am, and love jeep enthusiasts. Any one who owns a jeep of any sort will always lend a helping hand.