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Rotational noise coming from my ARB

9

90Pioneer

NAXJA Forum User
Location
USA
Hi I have a '96 XJ with a Dana 30 running an ARB air locker and 4:56 gears.

The past month I thought I had a very faint squeal coming from my serp. belt. The noise could only be heard when you were moving very slowly with the windows down.

Anyway, I took it to a mechanic on another matter, and had them take a look at the noise.

Apparently the rotational noise/squeal is coming from my ARB locker. The mechanic hasnt dropped the diff cover yet, but said the noise is coming from the right side (I assume passenger) of the pumkin.

Any idea what is causing this noise? And is it something I need to worry about? There is a good chunk of change in that differential.

This happens in 2wd, I have not listened for it in 4x4 or with the locker engaged. The locker does work fine however.
 
Could be the carrier bearing, which is inside the differential. Could also be the unit bearing (Wheel bearing) or the axle U-joint. All three are easily changed. The carrier bearing takes a few more tools then the other two, but not hard. None of these are putting the ARB at risk. But don't put it off, get it hunted down, if it's a carrier bearing, fix it before it disintegrates, pieces in the diff can harm the ARB.
 
Could be the ARB bolts backing out of the case and scoring the inside of the diff, or the ring gear bolts backing out. Both make a lovely metal on metal howl when touching the casting.
 
I spoke with my mechanic over the phone and he looked under my jeep and said I don't have a carrier bearing. Is this not right? Is it actually inside the differential?

Now he thinks it is a U joint but he's not really sure.
 
Look through the oil filler hole and check if the bolts holding the ring gear on to the carrier are backing out (loose). An important easy fix. There are 2 carrier bearings, one on each side of the carrier that the axles go through.
 
90Pioneer said:
I spoke with my mechanic over the phone and he looked under my jeep and said I don't have a carrier bearing. Is this not right? Is it actually inside the differential?

Now he thinks it is a U joint but he's not really sure.
Click to expand...

Yikes, pick up your Jeep and take it somewhere with a clue.
 
Root Moose said:
Yikes, pick up your Jeep and take it somewhere with a clue.
Click to expand...
X2

They either don't know what they are doing, or they are trying to screw you.
Exact reasons I work on my own junk!
 
90Pioneer said:
I spoke with my mechanic over the phone and he looked under my jeep and said I don't have a carrier bearing. Is this not right? Is it actually inside the differential?

Now he thinks it is a U joint but he's not really sure.
Click to expand...

The only thing worse he could have told you was that a muffler bearing was going out.

You need a new mechanic. Badly. :roll:
 
A lot of less technical folks will call a pillow block (used in two piece driveshafts among other things) as a carrier bearing. Maybe there is just a communication problem.

Regardless, I would think a mechanic would be able to identify a differential carrier bearing.
 
Dirk Pitt said:
A lot of less technical folks will call a pillow block (used in two piece driveshafts among other things) as a carrier bearing. Maybe there is just a communication problem.

Regardless, I would think a mechanic would be able to identify a differential carrier bearing.
Click to expand...

Agree with all points.

Context is everything.

Find a better mechanic.
 
I called a different mechanic, specializing in Jeeps only, who said he could replace all the bearings in my front differential for $750 parts and labor.

Is that the kind if figures I'm looking at if it's actually my carrier bearing?
 
Oh heck NO...
THat's twice what a gear set up should cost. And until you identify if or which bearings in the differential are on the fritz dont sign up to replacing them all. Pull the axle first and see if the u-joint and unit bearing are in good shape first.
If it's a carrier bearing, even for the ARB it should be around 50-70 bucks for the bearings and no more than 2 hours labor. and that's re-setting the back lash.

IMO.
 
if it's just the backlash that's something you could do yourself if you get the right tools. I installed my own Detroit and that was the first time I'd ever been in a differential.
Anyway, where was the ARB setup? I'd take it back there if possible.
 
90Pioneer said:
I spoke with my mechanic over the phone and he looked under my jeep and said I don't have a carrier bearing. Is this not right? Is it actually inside the differential?

Now he thinks it is a U joint but he's not really sure.
Click to expand...

90Pioneer said:
The mechanic hasnt dropped the diff cover yet, but said the noise is coming from the right side (I assume passenger) of the pumkin.
Click to expand...

from the sound of this mechanic, it could be just an idler pulley that is makin the noise, this dude sounds clueless.

take it to a 4x4 shop if possible.

-Tim
 
DaffyXJ said:
Oh heck NO...
THat's twice what a gear set up should cost. even for the ARB it should be around 50-70 bucks for the bearings and no more than 2 hours labor. and that's re-setting the back lash.

IMO.
Click to expand...

I would like to see you set up an ARB in 2 hours...

Now really If the noise is comming from the right side. It is possible that it is a carrier bearing, but usually carrier bearings make a groaning noise. I would take it to either a jeep specialist, or someone that does gears, and have them pull the diff cover for a true inspection and not a speculation... If you ponied up the coin for an ARB, spend the money to fix it right... Just my .02$ worth...
 
Clean-RC said:
I would like to see you set up an ARB in 2 hours...

Now really If the noise is comming from the right side. It is possible that it is a carrier bearing, but usually carrier bearings make a groaning noise. I would take it to either a jeep specialist, or someone that does gears, and have them pull the diff cover for a true inspection and not a speculation... If you ponied up the coin for an ARB, spend the money to fix it right... Just my .02$ worth...
Click to expand...
Piece of cake. I could change the carrier bearings in less than two hours. Only took me 4 to install the ARB. We're talking about just inspecting/changing the carriers here. The ARB shims from the outside like a D-35, making it alot easier than say a D-44. And you would use the same shimpack with an expectation that eveything would be the same, assuming the bearings aren't too old.
If you think paying 750 a differential is a good deal, I'd be happy to do them for you for say 600.00 each. :cool:
 
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