Help identifying sound

[TJK]

First off, forgive me for my lack of mechanical knowledge. This jeep is my first vehicle and I never had much time learning about cars until recently, mainly from this forum.

Recently I have started to hear a sound coming from what seems to be the wheels, most prominently the drivers side front, that sounds like the wheels aren't running true. The best I can describe the sound is a "WOM WOM WOM" sound that corresponds with speed. I took it to a mechanic and he changed the driver's side wheel bearing. The sound seems to have decreased but is still there. It sounds now closer to the centre of the vehicle. It's possible that the rear wheel bearings may also be faulty but I'm wondering if there may another issue at play. Could there be a problem with the driveshaft or an axle?

I know its vague, but does this problem sound familiar to anyone? What's the best way to proceed with diagnosis? I am reluctant to pay a mechanic to change out the other wheel bearings if that's not the real problem....Any help would be appreciated.

 

[macleanflood]

Take off your front driveshaft and see if you still have the noise.

-Mac

 

[TJK]

I'll bring it back in and tell him the sound is still there. Initially it seemed like the wheel bearing replacement had fixed it but some highway driving today and it's still pretty apparent. Also, could this be dangerous? Should I refrain from driving it until it's resolved?

 

[macleanflood]

That's your call...I've litterly driven the wheels off vehicles. 20 plus year old vehicles make noises. I've got a squeak or two I'm chasing down...gopro with a magnetic mount helps tons.

Video or a sound recording might help.

And not all front unit bearings are equal. I think we all favor Timken. Lot of cheap shit parts out there. I've had to do some repairs four times trying to find a part that lasts more than a week or month or two.

And if you needed one you probably need both...and then if you're there I'd be doing axle u joints, inner seals and new oil in the diff.

None of this is hard. No special tools needed. Lots of good resources here. Happy to help. Do it yourself!

-Mac

-Mac

 

[TJK]

Thanks for the advice!

I'm getting closer and closer to trying some of the work myself. I've done some minor fixes (removing the cowl vent and sealing up a leak, adding the washer to the steering knuckle after the new tires...) Hopefully with the right tools (wrenches? jackstand?) I can start into some more detailed jobs!

 

[Mitchrb1]

Check your belt and pulleys also. Had a speed related sound that was related to the Idler pulley. Barings were shot. it made more sound the faster I went.

 

[macleanflood]

Check your belt and pulleys also. Had a speed related sound that was related to the Idler pulley. Barings were shot. it made more sound the faster I went.

Mine too...one of the first things I replaced on my TJ and generally part of what I do to any new to me vehicle.

If you don't have tools here's a good place to start ..

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-270-Piece-H270MTSRM/320379671
I bought one and put it in tool rolls as an emergency kit for my Jeep...along with a couple more items. Case kinda sucks but it's a great place to start.

If I recall correctly you can do the belt and the idler and tensioner pulleys with a 15mm socket. Get Gates parts. Good preventative maintenance if you don't know when it was done. Alternatively others have suggested spraying water at the pulleys to see if the noise stops.

-Mac

 

[TJK]

UPDATE

So I brought the jeep back in to the mechanic and he says he thinks its a worn rear pinion bearing but he has to open everything up to make sure there isn't more damage...When I brought it in to him he replaced the front wheel bearing but could still hear a sound coming from the rear so he opened up the rear diff which overflowed with milky oil. looks like the previous owner drove into some pretty deep water...Currently feeling pretty deflated as I was preparing to drive out of town for work for a contract and now I may not have the jeep back in time to make it out there. Pissed because I brought it in 2 weeks ago to have the sound inspected and was told it was fixed and I also brought it to him to have it fully inspected and fixed up when I first bought it two years ago and replaced many worn out parts then but obviously this was missed....hurts extra bad know that it could have been avoided if he had found it when I paid him to once over it the first time around...UGH ok rant over

 

[Mitchrb1]

UPDATE

So I brought the jeep back in to the mechanic and he says he thinks its a worn rear pinion bearing but he has to open everything up to make sure there isn't more damage...When I brought it in to him he replaced the front wheel bearing but could still hear a sound coming from the rear so he opened up the rear diff which overflowed with milky oil. looks like the previous owner drove into some pretty deep water...Currently feeling pretty deflated as I was preparing to drive out of town for work for a contract and now I may not have the jeep back in time to make it out there. Pissed because I brought it in 2 weeks ago to have the sound inspected and was told it was fixed and I also brought it to him to have it fully inspected and fixed up when I first bought it two years ago and replaced many worn out parts then but obviously this was missed....hurts extra bad know that it could have been avoided if he had found it when I paid him to once over it the first time around...UGH ok rant over

He should be able to complete that in one day? I had the 2 Axle bearings replaced and the pinion in the rear along with new brakes just a few months ago and the mechanic was done before lunchtime.

 

[macleanflood]

Make sure your vent tube hose is in place, secure and not weather checked. It should run on the driver's side of the axle out of where the soft brake line comes down from the chassis to the axle... basically it's a brake T and vent just to confuse folks. Hose should run up the gas filler neck to a one way valve. Old stuff worn out hose usually is cracked and lets in water.

You should probably check the transfer case, transmission and front axle. If you got water in the rear then it just might be in everything with a vent.

-Mac

 

[TJK]

Good point. If water got in there it might have got in elsewhere.