LKN_xj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Cornelius, NC
Hi everyone - I recently installed a B.Lee 3-Link in my 91 XJ, and while the axle was out, I swapped in a lower mileage HP Dana 30. Mine had 360k and since they're plentiful, I just picked one up that supposedly had lower mileage.
Before installing, I checked backlash and it was in spec. I didn't check internal bearings or anything like that. Just went for it.
After the 3-link install and axle swap, I figured I'd take a test drive and determine the status of the axle. I should mention the front DS is out for all of these test drives to eliminate this as a source.
I heard what I can best described as a pulsing grinding/roaring sound. It starts at 25 mph and increases in volume as you go faster. I think the noise stops getting louder around 55 and just maintains as speed increases. It pulses every second or so, and sometimes is just a constant roar.
I knew it wasn't the tires because they were quiet before the swap and I reinstalled them on the same 4 corners. I know it's not the rear making noise. It's recently rebuilt and is very quiet. So, I replaced everything it could be. I tore the axle ends down to the C's and did ball joints, u-joints, new spindles and unit bearings. All this made absolutely no difference.
Could this be a differential bearing if the backlash was in spec? Visually the gears looked fine. Not sure how to diagnose the diff other than backlash. Is it time for a re-gear? Thanks for the help in advance.
Before installing, I checked backlash and it was in spec. I didn't check internal bearings or anything like that. Just went for it.
After the 3-link install and axle swap, I figured I'd take a test drive and determine the status of the axle. I should mention the front DS is out for all of these test drives to eliminate this as a source.
I heard what I can best described as a pulsing grinding/roaring sound. It starts at 25 mph and increases in volume as you go faster. I think the noise stops getting louder around 55 and just maintains as speed increases. It pulses every second or so, and sometimes is just a constant roar.
I knew it wasn't the tires because they were quiet before the swap and I reinstalled them on the same 4 corners. I know it's not the rear making noise. It's recently rebuilt and is very quiet. So, I replaced everything it could be. I tore the axle ends down to the C's and did ball joints, u-joints, new spindles and unit bearings. All this made absolutely no difference.
Could this be a differential bearing if the backlash was in spec? Visually the gears looked fine. Not sure how to diagnose the diff other than backlash. Is it time for a re-gear? Thanks for the help in advance.
