Nigel

I've been trying to figure out what this noise is for weeks! It's bugging me. It's a faint, intermittent (slows as the Jeep comes to a stop) squeaking noise that only occurs when I lightly press the brakes. It starts as a squeaking, then as the Jeep eventually slows to a stop, it sounds like more of a grinding noise. It sounds like it's coming from the back left (driver's side) wheel, but I'm not sure. The squeaking stops when I press the brakes harder, and it only seems to happen when I'm going forward (although I never get much speed in reverse).

Here's a poor-quality video for reference: View My Video

Kind of hard to hear in the video, but it's there (turn up your volume). You can hear it squeak a little and then turn into a scrape/grinding noise as the jeep slows down and stops.

Here's what I've done so far:

1) Inspected rotors on both back wheels- they look fine
2) Inspected brake pads on both back wheels- still thick and fairly new
3) Lubed-up the brake pins on the rear driver's side brake caliper
4) Made sure nothing was scratching against the rotor (rocks, debris, etc.)

I'm wondering if it has to do with the emergency brake? I've tried adjusting the hand lever to make sure it's in the off position. That didn't help. I'm not sure what else to do!

PsychoCupcake

Couldn't get the video to work but any chance you have a bent rear axle flange? Do you have a heavy wheel and tire combo? JKU? Been offroad lately?

Nigel

Yes, JK Unlimited with 33" tires on the stock wheels. I have not been off-road lately.

I don't think I have a bent axle, mainly because I don't detect any wheel wobble or shaking at high speeds. But I won't rule it out as a possibility.

robsjeep9

Bent axle FLANGE .... Not axle lol

PsychoCupcake

Good call, I didn't catch that at first. Yes axle shaft flange.

Nigel

Wouldn't I get wheel wobble and shaking if the axle flange was bent? I don't think the flange is bent, but I'll check.

I'm really thinking it has something to do with the parking break. Do the parking break pads need to be replaced every now and then? I don't think I've ever had mine replaced...

PsychoCupcake

Not necessarily. Had a friend bend his quite badly on an offroad trip and he drove 5 hours home afterwards and didn't notice much change in the handling. Most obvious sign was the squeak coming from the brake rotor because of the bent flange. Similar symptom. Repetitive squeak that was speed sensitive.

Nigel

Well, I just checked to see if it was the axle flange and now I'm thinking that it is.

I chocked the front tires, jacked up the back end and spun the wheels. Low and behold, the back left wheel is wobbling and I can see/hear the brake caliper moving back and forth. Super bummer- I was hoping this was going to be an easy fix.

So, you were right PsychoCupcake! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Now what do I do about this? Do I have to replace the entire axle? Or just the axle shaft? Or is there a way to straighten-out the axle flange?

Chuck-The-Ripper

Just replace the axleshaft

jadmt

Factory 10 shafts from northridge 4x4 with bearing and retainers installed for easy 40 minute job. I believe elevated off-road sells carbon brand which is the same assembled for $365 so not an expensive fix. Hit @kjeeper10 up for who it was.