1999 xj stock lift 4.0 4wd auto

Since I bought my jeep it's had a squeak when the tire rotates, I'd say 1 squeak per rotation, it goes away when I press the brakes so those are on my list to change, but just in the last few days it's developed a louder squeak only when the wheels turn, same amount 1 per rotation but when I press the brakes while turning it still squeaks, could this be brake related also or does it sound more like u joint or wheel hub?

 

Take off the caliper and rotate the wheel. If it still squeaks then you know it is either the hub or the ujoint. Though ujoints at front axle shaft squeak more when turning.

Or it could be something else. Sounds are like that. Be prepared to think outside the box.

 

Brake pads. Check them. They're usually the cause of a squeek.

 

It could be the u joint or unit bearing. You'll have to get down and look to see what's dead.

 

Well I'm 99% sure they need need to be changed but the "normal" brake pad squeak goes away when I press the brakes while this new louder squeak does not go away and is only present when turning

 

How would I identify Between u joint and bad hub?

 

If its hub the wheel will wiggle if its u joint the axle will be loose if you try wiggling the u joint.

 

Usually u joints don't squeak when they go bad. Usually they crack and pop. I'm betting on brakes. Check them first.

 

To check u joints, jack up jeep, turn wheels all the way to the left and spin the wheel by hand. If the u joint is bad it will make all kinds of noise. For the passenger side, turn the wheels all the way to the passenger side and spin the wheel by hand. Same thing. If its bad, it'll make noise and possibly be loose

 

This video explains how to check axle u joints at the end of the video..


This video shows how to check your hubs


My guess is also brake pads.

 

Thanks! I really appreciate all the help, this is the best forum I've been on, I'll check and post my findings

 

You're welcome. I am on a lot of forums, most automotive based, and yes this has been the best so far. I have learned a tremendous amount about vehicles in general and not just jeeps. A ton of friendly helpful people on here.

 

Finally got to take the wheels of and take a look and my brake pads are almost brand new, it doesn't look like the rotors were turned when the pads were replaced by the pervious owner, my hubs feel fine and my u joints will need to be replaced some what soon but Pretty sure the rotors is the source of my squeak

 

It's your inner outer bearings if 4 x4 axle bearings , pumpkin bearings