I guys I've, my XJ is completely stock. When I drive the front drivers side, has a speaking sound kinda like when your breaks go bad. I power washed everything in that area thinking maybe it was break dust but that dos not seem to help. Any suggestions on what it could be? It's driving me crazy!

 

My first thought would be the hub bearing, if its a constant noise when the Jeep is in motion, and you have absolutely eliminated the brakes as the culprit.

 

Well when I press down on the breaks it stops... So Im not sure if that totally eliminates the breaks

 

That can also be a symptom of a bad hub bearing. They can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, but that is where I would start my troubleshooting.

 

Ok man thanks a bunch! Would you recommend replacing all of them?

 

I believe it is recommended to replace them both... if one is bad, then the other is most likely going to be in the same condition soon, but they also aren't real cheap, so I've known people who have only done one side when it was all they could afford. I actually just did mine this past weekend, and of course, made a cheesy video about my fun, if you want to see what you may be in for. But, first thing first, figure out if it is going bad before you start throwing money at it.

 

Awesome video! I think I'm going to try to tackle it this weekend. Is there a good brand?

 

I've always heard good things about Timkens but they were a little pricey for me. I ended up getting the Advance Auto ones. Don't recall what brand, but they were just the cheap Chinese ones, which means I'll probably be doing this again next year, but I got both, with a $50 coupon that I found online, for just under $100. I hate buying important parts on "price" but when its all you can afford, sometimes its what you have to do.

 

Yeah I understand! I wasn't expecting this haha. But I guess I'll spend the extra money the first time. At least you will have fresh bolts next year if you do it

 

Yeah, I guess that's a positive. LOL. So, just make sure you do some diagnosing on those hubs before you just throw money and parts at your squeak. From your description, it sure sounds like a hub to me, but I'd hate to see you waste money if it turns out to be something else... I'd put money on it not being something else, but still... always diagnose before spending the cash.

 

Just an FYI if you decide to change the wheel bearings to get them unstuck you can use your steering as a press and pop them out. I replaced mine about week ago and all you need is a 3" extension piece. Here's the thread that I read...Good Luck! Also if you don't have the tools, like a torch wrench Auto zone and Napa auto parts should have parts you can rent from them, like the 31MM socket you'll need. Cheap way to go about it!!

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/pro...ing-hub-28951/

 

Also before you change them I would take a second look at your braking system, if the noise stops when you push the brakes that doesn't sound like a wheel bearing problem, when mine were going bad it was more like a rumble. If it's a squeaking sound, take off your brake caliper and inspect your brake pads and drums.

 

X2 on brake check. Get some disk brake antisqueal stuff, or caliper grease.
Make sure dust shield isn't rubbing, or that you have a rock stuck in there.

 

I just got some stuff for squeaking breaks so Im going to try that. What is the best way to clean break pads? And I hope this isn't a dumb question but where's the best place to place the jack?

 

That is a good question, I normally place mine under the ball joints...But I don't know exactly where your supposed to place them.