LJ Dana 44 Rear Axle Screeching

Freefly TJ · 05-18-2012, 11:02 AM

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

05-18-2012, 11:02 AM	#1
Freefly TJ Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 5	LJ Dana 44 Rear Axle Screeching 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