Moaning/Straining/Grinding Noise

[72FB]

I've searched online with no luck so hoping someone here can help diagnose.

Spec: 21 Gladiator with stock tires, 61K, Auto, original owner, never offroad.

Issue: When turning in either direction at speeds less than 25, a moaning, straining, grinding noise is heard from the front end.
It does not exhibit this when going straight and I can't hear this issue above 25mph.
Local shop checked suspension and saw no issues. No oil leaks.

Could a bad u joint on each side cause the grinding noise?
Something inside the axle/diff though I would think no as it's heard only while turning?

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[rharr]

Sounds like you need to take it to a shop and have someone who works on cars everyday do a diagnostic.

That are to many variables without being able to look at something first hand.

You are essentially saying my car makes this noise what is wrong.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

I'd guess bad U-joints (or CV's if it's equipped with those). A shop can verify that.

 

[liquidobsession]

Sounds like a bad wheel bearing. Turning side loads it and makes the noise more apparent.

 

[Labswine]

That's probably more than half of us trying to take a dump in the morning

 

[spanishmack]

I have the Steer Smarts sector shaft brace and was having the exact same thing. Turns out the bearing can get gunk up in it and make grinding noises. I took the bearing off the brace and cleaned it out with Brakleen (non-chlorine) and then hit it with WD-40 specialty gel lube and that fixed it. Silent turning again now.

 

[tysongladiator]

Take it to a shop. Sound travels so It could be anything. Let a shop diagnose.

 

[DylanM]

Are you absolutely certain the noise is from the front end? Your description of the problem sounds much like a noisy limited slip diff.

 

[DADDI8R]

I'm having the same issue with my 21 Willys. I also thought it was coming from the front end, but can't be sure since I can't replicate the noise when sitting static in the driveway. I did find this thread below from last year though, so I'm going to go ahead and change diff fluid and see if that helps.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/whining-grinding-when-turning-left-or-right.100179/

 

[72FB]

I wanted to provide an update to all......Finally brought it into the dealer who said the factory limited slip needs to be replaced along with new axles and seals bringing the cost to $4k....Ouch.. My question is; Would it make more sense to just do a F/R gear swap with new rear axles since I was planning to go to 37's in the future? Can I just get rid of the limited slip? I'm trying to balance budget, repairing and upgrading if that is an option. Truck has 65,000 miles and I never changed the diff oil. My last resort was changing the oil to make the noises hopefully go away and trade it in for another.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

My choice would be do the regear and a chromoly axle shaft replacement and see if you can swing a locker for the rear while they have it torn down. Having it all done at once is going to save you time being down and a possible couple grand having to tear it back down later when you decide to get lockers installed. Definitely go with a good set of chromoly axles shafts if that’s the route you go though. No sense in replacing with a stock set of shafts if you plan on going bigger tires and wheeling it.

 

[Cburd61]

I was going to say, mine was doing the same thing. It was the rear differential. The sound was telegraphing to the front. Dealer replaced it under warranty.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

Do you have any videos of the noise for folks who come across this thread later?

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