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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/Rear Bearings, 97 Cherokee Sport

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Expert: - 10/23/2004


Question
I've heard a 'thump, thump, thump' that increases and decreases relative to speed.  Thought the sound was coming from the front and I actually feel it in the steering wheel when I brake.  I replaced the front hub/bearing assemblies, rotors and pads in the front right and left.  This didn't fix the problem.  Back rear right tire has a little play when jacked up and pushed at 12 o'clock while pulled at 6 o'clock.  Maybe I need to replace the bearing(s) in the rear right wheel?  Would I feel this in the steering when braking?  Is this a tough job?  Thnx.  

Answer
Karl,

Normally, you wouldn't feel a rear bearing problem in the steering, but it is possible.  If the rear bearings were bad enough, the vehicle could have a tendency to pull to one side or the other.  Another thing to look at, is your rear brakes.  I have, also seen this symptom with a bad tire.  I would look into finding a reputable shop, and have one of the mechanics go for a ride with you, so that you can show him the problem first hand.  These types of problems are, extremely hard to diagnose without riding in, or driving the vehicle.

Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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