Rear wheel scrubbing noise

[jleinhoff]

I have a 99 Wrangler with 60K miles. It is developing a "scrubbing" noise that sounds like it is coming from the right rear wheel. It happens mostly in a left hand curve at about 30 mph. I've pulled the wheels and brake drums on both rear wheels. All looks well, except on the right the brake auto adjuster does not quite touch the star wheel. The linings look fine and the drums are evenly worn.
The only problem I've ever had with this Jeep is the one where it went into 4H at highway speeds after a long drive. That quit when I changed the universal greases and used the right additive.
Any ideas for what the scrubbing could be and whether it could be related to the brake adjuster?

[fredjacksonsan]

How long has it been since you rotated your tires? I've heard tires making some very odd noises.

Also, I'd check to make sure there aren't any dangling parts near the tire, and that there's sufficient clearance. Do you have oversize tires on?

[jleinhoff]

Hey, thanks for the quick answer. I'll try the tire rotation. It has been at least 20,000 miles. It's my wife's car, but I remember her mentioning it's time for a rotation.
Everything is stock. I've lain under the thing for a half hour looking at and touching everything that could possibly be loose and found nothing. I'll try the rotation and let you know in a few days.

[fredjacksonsan]

You're welcome.....hopefully the rotation will take care of it.

[wilson05]

i had the same problems and heres the reply i got... sounds like the same thing you should look into this ....
heeres the reply

I'm not sure what model Wrangler you have but I had a simular problem on my 97. Grinding in the rear that seemed to be more noticable at slower speeds(20-40mph). Wind noise seemed to drown out the noise at highway speed. It was the pinion ring gear in the rear end. Apparent manufacturing problem allowed it to spin causing it to create metal shavings in the rearend etching all the rear barrings and the passenger end of the axle. Had to replace the barrings and the axle was nothing that alittle sanding couldn't fix. Repair cost about $250. Don't know if this is your problem but might wanna check it out. GJ10
I let mine go for awhile. Not sure how long. I did notice it was getting louder and I wasn't sure what it was. When my pinion seal started to leak (possible from the cuttings) I had the rearend looked at. I had to have all the rear barrings replaced and the end of the axle was etched but not bad. If I had waited longer there is a possiblity that the axle end would have been bad enough that I would have had to replace it. Around $300 for it alone. Also the manufacturing error was on the case for the rearend that allowed the ring to spin. If you have to replace it. $$$ Not sure how much that would cost. I lucked out and the mechanic was able to seat it so that it wouldn't spin. I don't know if it is a emergency fix situation but as with many other things the longer you put them off the worse and more expensive it can get. Sorry for the news. GJ10

all that thanks to GreenJeep10