4x4 Noise in 97-01 XJ's

[CherokeeChic]

I am currently looking to buy a Jeep XJ and I have been test driving quite a few lately. One thing that I have been comming across is a noise when doing a tight turn in the 4x4, it almost sounds like the power stearing, but I don't think it could be that. It has happend with three out of the four I have test drove, these have all been newer models in the 97-01 range. I have driven in a 93 XJ and i've never hurd this before. Is this normal for the newer models? Thanks in advance for all of the help!

[Dukes69]

Its probably an axle u-joint! Pretty easy and cheapish to fix. Thats what it sounds like to me

[JeepJunkie]

sorry i cant offer real help...but welcome to MJR

[CherokeeChic]

Do you know how to tell if it acutally is an axle u-joint? And is this a common problem in newer XJ's? Thanks for all of the help.

[JeepJunkie]

I think if you jack up the wheel and try it shake it side to side up down in out and spin it, i think if its worn out there might be a little play in the wheel. I think if it was worn out you would know my jacking it up

[blkTJ]

first inspect the u joints to make sure they all have their caps in place.

if that is the case, put the jeep in 4wd. jack up one front tire. watch the u joint as you try to spin the tire by hand. if there's no play in the joint, your good. repeat on other side.

good luck.

[blkTJ]

I think if you jack up the wheel and try it shake it side to side up down in out and spin it, i think if its worn out there might be a little play in the wheel. I think if it was worn out you would know my jacking it up

that sounds more like checking for bad ball joints.

[blkTJ]

new thought... your test driving these xjs on the street yes? don't put them in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement and try to turn corners. they weren't meant to be used that way. you need a different transfer case for that.

[CherokeeChic]

I didn't put it into 4x4 on dry pavement, it was either raining or it was in dirt when I did that. Thanks for all the imput!

[redneckxj]

I have a 98 xj and have it in 4x4 a lot (you gotsta) and have never had that problem, I wish I could help you more, but really have no idea. If you have the steering over all the way, it will whine, but thats in 4x2 as well.