Today while using the jeep for the first time in a month when I reverse about 5 feet the front wheels lock right up and slide on the ice. When I go forward there is a fairly loud knocking that is rhythmic and increases with speed. I am guessing my ring and pinion are F'd but I am hoping someone may have any ideas what else it can be. It's a 2007 JKU on 35's I had 4.88's installed 2 summers ago at Northridge no front locker. Dana 30 in the front. Any thoughts? Could this be the transfer case? Driveshaft? I really have no idea what the symptoms of these are and although I am feeling it's the ring and pinion I hope it is not.

It's very cold where I am at with lots of snow and I have no garage now. I was hoping not to have to pull the diff cover unless I know that's the problem. I don't normally drive the vehicle in the winter and will be taking the insurance off it now. But I want to get this figured out so I can order parts to minimize downtime in the summer wheeling season. If this turns out to be ring and pinion I really don't see myself spending more money on the dana 30 and will go to a Pro Rock or Teraflex.

Let me know what your thoughts are?

 

rusted rotor?

 

Yeah, I'd definitely start simple and look at the brakes and rotors first. I've seen caliper bolts come lose and display very similar issues because the caliper rotated in to contact with the rotor and lock up the front while reversing and chatter and slap the rotor while moving forward.

It was my girlfriends vehicle after she took it the dealer. I should have double checked everything from the start instead of fixing it later.

good luck man.

 

Any other thoughts before I bundle up all hungover tomorrow to check this? Can anyone rule stuff out based on my symptoms? Could it be a front drive shaft? Could it be the transfer case. The clunk when going forward is worse when I am in 4wd, but still pretty bad in 2 wheel drive. I am really thinking I will have to tear it apart and I am really thinking its the gears. But if anyone has other thoughts anyone experience the same problems. I really wish I still had a garage I hate being the gut asking whats wrong with my Jeep when it would be quicker just to go look.

 

I think you should go directly to pulling the diff cover, and have a look inside.

When it's cold here, and I have to work on a vehicle outside, I have a salamander heater blowing in my direction. It really takes the pain out of working in the cold.

 

I would jack it up and put 4 axle stands under it, and push the wheels back and forward! I would also agree that it would be a loose rotor or caliper!

Good luck

 

So instead of avoiding what I knew was the problem I just went for it and pulled the diff cover.







So it appears I am missing some teeth. So it appears it may be upgrade time.

 

wow so i suspect u knew something we not privy to ? seams like very odd damage for just backing up

 

Were they not wore in properly?

 

Nah they are 2 summers old installed at Northridge 4x4.