Strange whining sound

So 2 weeks ago we went wheeling out at Bridgeport, about an hour and a half drive from home, highway speeds for almost all of it. I never noticed anything out of the ordinary, and the wife was along so I wasnt cranking the tunes. Also had my dog in the Jeep with us.

When out, we went through a couple of mud holes, all at low speed, nothing deeper than about 12-16" deep - I dont think it would have even covered the axles. The rest of it was hard pack/rocks, some hills (moderate rubbing with no lift/stock tires), but nothing too bad.

Last Saturday we took the jeep on a drive, about 20 minutes, and wife and I almost immediately noticed the noise, whining almost like radio static, not quite a "high pitched" whine, but there from about 35+.

Got back home, and just forgot to check into it any more, and today I just took it to grab some food, and noticed the whining again. It is coming from the rear of the vehicle/behind the driver. I cannot tell if it is coming from one side or the other. Again, at about 35+. No noticeable difference in how it rode/drove/handled.

Anyone have any ideas what I should be looking at? I was planning on taking the Jeep on a trip tomorrow, about 350 miles over the weekend, but I dont want to do any damage.

Thanks

Check the dust covers to see if you might have some mud built up around it.

I cannot remember if the bearing are sealed but if they are not you might want to pull them and grease them.

R/
Will

Pardon the ignorance - Wheel dust covers? Like those old "brake dust shields" that go behind the wheel, or something else?

Thanks

Clean out the rear brakes. I believe the parking brake is a drum style brake under the rotor.

You may have some water in your diff. Outside chance, but if cleaning the brakes doesn't work that's the next spot I'd check.

Mark

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hmm Bridgeport eh...well the clay/mud likely dried to rock, I'd pull the wheels so you can get a better view.

Thanks for the ideas. Anything special need to get into the drum?
Any odd steps that one wouldnt expect to run into?

el_chupo_ said:

Thanks for the ideas. Anything special need to get into the drum?
Any odd steps that one wouldnt expect to run into?

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Here is a write up Eddie did for replacing the rear axle shaft but it will show how to pull the rear brake disc/drum.

http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?5162-Rear-Axle-Shaft-Removal-amp-Installation-Write-Up

R/
Will

Awesome, thanks!

I stopped taking the wife out in the Jeep, no more whining. :cheesy:

HILLZ said:

I stopped taking the wife out in the Jeep, no more whining. :cheesy:

Click to expand...

Oh man, I think you just solved my jeep issue! Gonna try this mod asap:beer:

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