[lordMylanta]

I’ve got a 2000 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.7 Quadra drive full time 4 wheel drive system. It’s got about 66K miles on it. I’ve started noticing noise coming from the rear end when turning left or right at slow speeds. The sharper the turn the louder the noise gets. It’s a whining sound. I'm running the same size tires all the way around. I changed the gear oil in the real differential and added the friction modifier. This helped for a few weeks but the noise is back again. I’m thinking now that the limited slip clutches are going bad and need to be replaced. I’ve got a Haynes manual but there is no info for rebuilding the differential. I’ve fairly handy with tools. I’ve done brakes, replaced a timing belt, things like that but never worked on a differential. Is this something I can handle at home? Is so what special tools are needed? Any suggestions where I could get more info on rebuilding the differential?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[Texas ZJ1]

This should be covered under your warranty.

Hunter

[lordMylanta]

That would be nice but the vehicle is past the warranty period.

[anthonyh75]

All you have to do is change the fluid in the rear. I had the same prob. Sounds like a chatter almost. The fluid gets dirty and the limited slip additive actually breaks down. Change the fluid and make sure you put the correct limited slip additive and you will be fine. I reccomend using mobile 1 synthetic rear fluid.

[lordMylanta]

I've already changed the fluid and added the friction modifier. This helped for a couple of weeks but it started back so I'm guessing it has to be the clutches. Right???

[lordMylanta]

No other suggestions??? Would a factory shop manual detail the procedure for replacing the clutch pack? Can anyone think of something this could be other than the clutches? I've already changed to gear oil and added the friction modifier.

[5.9ZJPR]

The service manual (~$90) has a test procedure for the trac-lock. You raise one tire, and in neutral w/parking brake off, see how much torque to turn wheel. >30 lb-ft OK. In diagnositc section, only trac-lock problem is described as "chatter" when turning.

Also has info on replacing clutch pacs. Need to pull ring & pinion. Needs specialty tools. Not a backyard job.

You might consider getting a better locker that'll last longer if you're going to go through all that.

[Rich235]

My wifes 2002 Grand Cherokee HO AWD does the same thing. A dealer serivce guy down here said the same thing. Probably differential oil need changed including the modifyer fluid. Ayear later it is starting to do thje same thing. I'm thinking of buying some modifer fluid and drain the quantity of the can of modifyer and install to see if this works.

[mbheal]

My dad's 2000 we have to change the oil every 15000 or it starts making that same noise. his has a drain plug in the diff cover to make it easier. we just got to where we just change it every 4th oil change or so.