LJ Dana 44 Rear Axle Screeching

[Freefly TJ]

Background:

I was driving my Jeep home last night when a horrendous screeching noise started from the right rear. I pulled into a parking lot and took the tire off. I checked to make sure there was nothing in the disk brakes, which there wasn't, and that the caliper wasn't sticking. I couldn't see what was making the noise. As I was only a few miles from home I put the tire on and kept driving. As it would happen a mile or so from home the noise grew a little louder and then went away. So.... I'm thinking either wheel bearing is on its way out or the parking break assembly, which doesn't work, is coming apart.

Questions:

1) If it is the wheel bearing how would I verify it? I've heard that if you can shake the tire around (with it off the ground) its the bearing.

2) Again, if its the bearing, where can I get a new one pressed on that won't cost $$$ (dealership)? I would most likely buy a timken replacement. Is the old bearing difficult to remove?

3) If its the parking break assembly, has anyone replaced? How much of a pain is that?

Thanks for the input

[timido]

I would shake the wheel like you said and start removing the axle. You should see if the Parking brake shoes came apart. As far as the wheel bearing you could get that replaced at a machine shop or a napa or garage that has a press.

[KennyTJ]

I have a 20ton press just for axles and diffs. You can contact me here on the board and i can PM my address.

I'm in Lebanon

[timido]

Are you in Shandon? I drove by an LJ with a floor jack under it the other day.

[Freefly TJ]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to pull the rear axle apart this weekend and see what's wrong. No, that wasn't me in Shandon. I live in Milford.