[16g-95gsx]

On my 1996 ZJ Grand Cherokee V8 with a 3" lift I have a very loud whine coming from the rear. At this point only the rear driveshaft is hooked up, as the previous owner removed the front shaft. I am running 31" BFG AT's and have changed out the fluid in the diff. I'm curious what you feel may be the cause and what I should check for? Being new to Jeeps I'm curious if there are standard failure points for something like this, or things that you would recommend me do in order to diagnose it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give a Jeep newb.

[tower93zj]

Originally Posted by 16g-95gsx

On my 1996 ZJ Grand Cherokee V8 with a 3" lift I have a very loud whine coming from the rear. At this point only the rear driveshaft is hooked up, as the previous owner removed the front shaft. I am running 31" BFG AT's and have changed out the fluid in the diff. I'm curious what you feel may be the cause and what I should check for? Being new to Jeeps I'm curious if there are standard failure points for something like this, or things that you would recommend me do in order to diagnose it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give a Jeep newb.

i just had the same problem in my 93 zj with 33's. i assumed it was the pinion bearing on my rear D35 and found out i was right after the axle failed on the way home from school about a weak ago. good thing i was prepared and had a 8.8 ready to swap in.

[TallyZJ]

Originally Posted by 16g-95gsx

On my 1996 ZJ Grand Cherokee V8 with a 3" lift I have a very loud whine coming from the rear. At this point only the rear driveshaft is hooked up, as the previous owner removed the front shaft. I am running 31" BFG AT's and have changed out the fluid in the diff. I'm curious what you feel may be the cause and what I should check for? Being new to Jeeps I'm curious if there are standard failure points for something like this, or things that you would recommend me do in order to diagnose it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give a Jeep newb.

Need a better more concise description of the noise, when you hear it, if its only under a load or acceleration or when coasting or all of the time while moving.

If it whines when you accelerate it is likely pinion bearing.

[16g-95gsx]

It is a very loud whirring sound that fills the cabin to the point you need to talk loudly. I've looked over a number of YouTube videos and I'm starting to think you're right about the pinion. The sound is speed based and gets louder as you move faster. It sounds similar to loud tire noise, just a constant whirring.

[JCJeep97]

From my experience, I agree on the pinion bearing.

[nick_93]

yes this sounds like a Ring and pinoion problem. Typically a load growling or grinding. If you look in your gear oil when you drain it check for a metallic texture or color on the case cover (you can see it really well in the sun).

[Jcj81]

My side bearing were out on my 44a causing my noise pull the cover check the fluid if any sign of metal take it apart and check bearings

[16g-95gsx]

Having worked only on non solid axle cars before how much of a ***** is it going to be to access the pinion bearing? Any DIY's out there covering it already? What brand replacements do you recommend?