TJ squeak/vibration

[rosko]

Hope everyone has wintered well.

The stormtrooper had a front-end squeak that came and went near the end of the season last year. I chalked it up to some u-joints that were starting to go, but didn't get around to looking at it.

Now things are getting a little more serious. I'm getting some crazy vibration in 4H (discovered during a May trip to Sunshine during crazy snowstorm). On a highway trip this weekend, I'm now getting vibration (not strong, more like hitting a weak rumble strip, sounds like wind over a soft top) when approaching 110 km/h+ in 2H.

I've checked the front axle and driveshaft u-joints in-place for play (jacked up and rocked wheel). Not getting any slap or clunking either (even though it's standard).

The archives say to take shafts off and check. I thought it may also be wheel or bearing in the diff as well.

Just though I'd see if this sounds familiar to anyone before I start tearing things apart.

'97 TJ 4.0 5spd, 106k km, D30/35

Also, it's time for front rotors, pads and calipers (one seized on my temporarily in the winter) - any recommendations on a reasonable upgrade is appreciated. (FYI - aforementioned squeak different than the warning tab).

TIA!

[Elsifer]

Drop the front drive shaft, check the ujoints and the CV.
Check the pinions for play too, might be a worn bearing.
Fluid levels in the diffs too.
Wheel bearings.

Since it happens at speed, check front and rear spinning parts.

But it's spring, any and all maintenance that wasn't done in the fall/winter, it's time to do it now.

Good luck!

[rosko]

Thanks... I'm on the diff fluid regularly, but need to get to the rest. Might be time to order up some new axles.

I'll update with the result for the archives.

[vantagetes]

I'll put money on that caliper that siezed was the problem. When they are on their way out the drag a bit instead of releasing all the way.

Also check your dust shields, I have to bend my back at least once a month cause they are rubbing on the rotor.

[Tyn Pow]

Make sure you pull your shafts and check that the ujoints are seized too....they might not have play but they could still be toast

[rosko]

Yup... u-joint on the front drive shaft is totally seized, which ended up toasting the CV.

Could get it rebuilt, but I'm also thinking that there could be something aftermarket that might make more sense... any suggestions?

[Elsifer]

I know your pain. My front CV seized at highway speeds and exploded my tcase!

Other than going to grease-able ujoints and a CV, and being meticulous about greasing them; there isn't much you can do. Mud ruins things, muddy water ruins things, water ruins things. Grease is your friend.

The grease-able ujoint + CV is a debate that has been argued elsewhere. I've gone to grease-ables, and I lube everything in the spring, and after a really muddy run.

4x4'ing is as much about maintenance and wrenching on your heep as it is about actually hitting the trails. Either do it yourself, or pay someone else to do it.

But since the front DS is hooped, you will want to check the pinion bearing, and all your other ujoints.

Good Luck and Just Empty Every Pocket!

[rosko]

Agreed on the maintenance side of things - I'm usually pretty good with that. I also liking the grease-able philosophy. I heard the squeaking before but noting that everything was sealed figured I couldn't do anything about it. I think a grease nipple beats pressing out bearing caps any day.

Did you rebuild your front drive shaft or go for something new? Prices drive line shop vs. new seem close.

[newfie]

i had a squeek like that 
 Found out its my diff bearing   since it blew up on me the night before i left for vacation

 Now i dont  i dont know if im gonna sell it and stop wheeling      or if i should keep it and   order a set of axles from northridge 
Been quit wheeling for 2 years now and the jeep was being a mall crawler

[vantagetes]

What diff was it? If you're not doing any offroading you can pick up a used stock diff for dirt cheap. In fact if it's a 35 (rear tj) then I have one you can just have.