Yes the boot is ripped but not into pieces like some I've seen online. I'll cut the whole thing off and see if that resolves the noise.

 

ok that's the differential end correct? How do I check it?

 

Grab the drive shaft near the diff. You should not be able to move it in any direction (left, right, up, down). If you get any movement, it could be that bearing.

 

I'm just thinking if the noise started happening after you scraped that up, then odds are you ripped the boot about the same time and it might just be catching some wind and causing a hum....or that there is a small tag piece sticking out off of it. That seems like the most obvious culprit.

I find it REALLY hard to believe that you have an issue with your pinion bearing on a 2016 jeep.

 

After driving a bit more I think I underestimated the sound....I feel like it really is a vibration now. I'll cut the boot off tomorrow and if that doesnt resolve it, maybe pull the driveshaft off and take it for a spin in front wheel drive, I've heard that's ok to do?

 

Correct- removing the rear driveshaft and driving in 4hi (effectively 2wd) is safe to do. You'll get an odd sensation that something isn't balanced quite right but it'll be fine to drive.

 

I have to get up to 65mph to test if the vibration is gone... Does that exceed the recommended speed for 4hi?

 

If you actually had all 4 wheels being powered then yes, that would be an issue. Since it's only the fronts, you'll be fine. The front shaft spins at 65+ mph already. I've had mine at 65mph with the rear shaft pulled.....and front as well to isolate feelings and figure out what was what.

 

Okay... Any tips to removing it? (The Rear) just unbolt the front and rear and pull it out right? Do i need to mArk it so it goes back in the same exact spot?

 

The rear needs an 8mm socket (if I'm reading correctly) to remove the bolts. Do the axle side first. There are small holes there to hammer from the rear to get the shaft out of the yoke. I skip that step and just put it in gear after the bolts are out of the axle side. It'll pop free and right out.

I've never marked mine and haven't had any problems with it. When you put it back together be sure to anti-seize spots where metal is on metal.