Rear Diff just started making noise. 2002 Grand Cherokee limited.

[Stalker58]

The rear diff started making loud whining noise, soon as get up to 40-45 mph. From 0-40 no noise.
Is there some adjustment, or fix. Or do I need a new rear diff?
Thanks in advance

 

[JPNinPA]

Start with checking the fluid level. If you never changed it it may be time to. If you were wheeling and submersed the axel water likely hot in and turned the grease to milkshake that now can freeze.


JPNinPA
Using Jeepz.com app

 

[Stalker58]

Thanks for the quick response. I bought used, 3yrs ago. It's my wife's jeep. and haven't gone 4wheeling with it. Not sure what the previous owner did. She's been a very reliable, Mom's jeep. It has 150,000mi.
I'll check the oil tomorrow. I hope thats all it is.

 

[Stalker58]

Ok. So I pulled diff cover off. Only about 1 pint of, nasty black oil came out. Cleaned up everything, put new oil in.
Took a test drive, hit 60mph. No noise.
Got lucky,it could have been worse.
Thanks for the help.

 

[superj]

Great news!