99 Gc Rear End Noises

[wfo440]

I have a 99 GC laredo 4.0 with a dana 44 rear end. It growls real bad at speed when driving it. At about 20 mph and on it almost sounds like a rubbing brake drum and seems to be worse when any input is put into the throttle at all to load it. It is definately coming from the rear end. I replaced the outer rear wheel bearings and it did nothing to quiet it down. I have new rear rotors and pads and the parking brake setup is fine. I don't know if it is an internal problem in the rearend or not. I have about 98000 miles on this and has been mostly in town or on highway by the wife. Not beat on at all. I haven't pulled the rear cover off yet to look for damage but there is plenty oil in it.

[RBrandon]

my 98 eats up right rear outer bearings and if you don't catch it in time it will eat up the axle. When you check out your differential you may want to pull the right axle and examine the wear where the bearings ride. We had this happen to ours around 40k miles the first time and had to have the axle, as well as most of the rear end, replaced.

[wfo440]

I replaced the outer bearings and races and all the surfaces were good.The old bearings were not even bad.I am now convinced that it is the inner bearings,just wanted to see if any one else has gone thru this problem before.

[beat88ls]

yeah, my 94 ate pinion bearings. i was told its a common problem with G cherokees

[mikec041]

My 99 has had 2 rears and 1 front rebuilds under warranty. I know the last rear that was done the dealer installed Synthetic Gear oil and LSD additive. Still growls every now and then, Guess that's why Dana declared bankruptcy.