FRONT DIFF noise in 01 WJ / auto detailing

[cvbbvc]

i just picked up an 01 WJ, very nice shape, but after getting the muffler replaced, noticed low whine consistent with vehicle speed (not RPM.) 99% sure its coming from the front diff... anyone had similar experience? vehicle has around 270,000 km and i have no idea if fluids have been changed in the diffs, ever. any advice on what this is gonna cost me at a reputable shop?? any and all advice appreciated.

also, i am gonna throw a guy i just met some props here - i took the WJ to be detailed by a guy named DJay from absolute perfection auto detailing (his # is 403 467 5812) and he did an *incredible* job for the best price around. if you want to get your ride cleaned up ever, he is the guy to go to.

[BrokenAxle]

Feel free to give me a call at the shop 403-237-7706
Dave

[jpthing]

Just off the top of my head I would look into the cost of a used part too....after you confirm the diff is the problem...diff work is really pricey and used parts are often less pricey, esp. when you are running stock gearing. good luck!

[muffintop]

Google around to see if its a factory/manufacturing problem. For example... on WK's (2005 and newer) front diff gear "whine" is a reasonably common problem, right from the factory, that no amount of new or used parts will fix (so I have read).

Just a thought before you start chasing an unfixable problem.

[JackstandJohnny]

i just picked up an 01 WJ, very nice shape, but after getting the muffler replaced, noticed low whine consistent with vehicle speed (not RPM.) 99% sure its coming from the front diff... anyone had similar experience? vehicle has around 270,000 km and i have no idea if fluids have been changed in the diffs, ever. any advice on what this is gonna cost me at a reputable shop?? any and all advice appreciated.

 

270k good luck. 
to my knowledge there are no recalls for WJ front diff problems, and even if they were i'm sure they'd just laugh at ya; 270k on a vehicle.  probalby won't get much from a dealership.

if it hasn't had fluids changed then ya, anythings possible.  is there even fluid in there

does it increase/decrease with throttle response? 

diagnose the problem before you do anything.  wouldn't you be angry if you paid a guy lots of money to swap a diff (and find a diff) only to realize the sound is still there.........

[muffintop]

Certainly wasn't suggesting a warranty claim... just an alternate way of looking at the situation.

For example... the WK's came from the factory with front diff noise and after unsuccessfully trying to fix it... Jeep/dealers gave up and called it a non-issue. Management 101 now that I think about it... If you cant fix the problem... pretend it doesn't exist 

So... as they say... if it ain't broke... don't fix it?

[JackstandJohnny]

For example... the WK's came from the factory with front diff noise and after unsuccessfully trying to fix it... Jeep/dealers gave up and called it a non-issue. Management 101 now that I think about it... If you cant fix the problem... pretend it doesn't exist 

So... as they say... if it ain't broke... don't fix it?

thats how i view my YJ every time i drive it