1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Left Rear Wheel - Noise?

Apart from a few leaky seals there are no obvious problems. A few months ago as I was driving into a parking lot after a 2 hour trip on the highway I heard a scapy/rubbing noise from the back end. I only noticed this noise as I was turning into the parking lot and it was at a very low speed (approx. 5mph). I didn't think anything of it and it was not there when I drove home later the same day (drove about 200 miles that day). I heard it a couple more times over the next couple of weeks and eventually decided to have it checked out. It occurs regularly now, but only after driving around for an hour or so and only when I am at low speeds turning (i.e. in a parking lot). I have had all the brakes replaced in the last 2 years and I have had the fluid changed in the rear diff. Last oil change the fluid in the diff looked ok. What could it be? Wheel bearing? Brake? Differential? It sounds like it comes from the wheel area and not from the middle where the differntial is.

Shannon2006-09-11T13:15:08Z

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Unless the brakes are worn, I'd suspect a bad wheel bearing.

Mike P2006-09-11T20:17:58Z

Possibly wheel bearings, could also be something simple like a brake pad. IMO I'd be very suspect of wheel bearings as you say that you're hearing the noise while turning which means it is happening under side load.

redeaglesoaring20042006-09-17T10:11:55Z

Your problem comes from a badly worn rear wheel bearing. When turning, the side load induced on the wheel is causing all the noise. If you decide to replace wheel bearings in the rear, it is wise to replace them on both sides.

mtbman10162006-09-12T13:05:30Z

Sounds like a bearing issue. Have the axle bearings inspected. If they show no signs of wear, the differential carrier bearings may be the culprit. I owned a 95 cherokee with the same problem and it ended up being the carriers. Good luck!

Anonymous2006-09-18T00:44:59Z

Brakes don't usually go two years these days unless you drive only 5,000 miles a year. Can be brakes, rear end, or axle bearing. I wouldn't keep driving it unless you want the bill to double or triple. Rear ends aren't cheap to fix.

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