Any advice on this sound?


Thanks a bunch.

 

Sounds like either a bad bearing or brake pad dragging, JMHO.

 

That is hard to say. First have you tried jacking up that wheel and spinning the wheel to see if you hear the noise? Also, with the wheel off the ground just a little put a crow bar under the wheel and have someone lift the tire while you are under listening. You can also crank the jeep and have someone quickly turn the wheel back and forth to see if you hear anything. Of course think safety and jack stands so don;t take any chances. Let us know what you find out.

 

I have jacked up the wheel and spun it freely... no sound. The sound is consistent whether going straight or turning. Random maybe, but I don’t hear it in reverse. 4 wheel drive is WAY louder.

 

The sound is coming from the wheel area. Listen closely to the video. I’m eager to hear your thoughts. Spun freely with no sound. Make noise when turning or going straight. No wiggle when testing for a faulty hub. Totally stumped here.

 

I'm guessing u-joint. Would also make sense that while jacked and spinning, there's no load on it so doesn't click the same. while in 2WD, it's got some road resistance, and while in 4WD it's under much more stress.

 

Yup that makes sense!

 

Do you think it could be bearing or hub? Is it terribly difficult or expensive to replace a u-joint?

 

u-joints are pretty basic items. Look up a youtube video and it will show you how to replace a u-joint in an axle shaft. you'd need a large socket, i believe 35mm, to get the axle nut off. It's more work getting the axle shaft out than replacing the u-joint IMO. remove wheel, remove brake caliper, remove brake rotor, remove axle nut, remove abs sensor, remove wheel bearing (12pt 13mm socket for the bearing bolts), pull axle shaft out. Assuming you have a torque wrench and either a breaker bar or impact, it's something you can easily do in the garage. There are some videos, one from the guy who I will not name but likes to live a certain way....and he goes through the whole process.

Also, skip to about 2:40 in this video and you hear the common sound as he shows you the sign of a bad u-joint -


That's on a drive shaft rather than axle shaft, but same symptom and sound.

 

Thanks for the replies. What is the typical repair cost for an axel u-joint?