1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee: whining or grinding noise

Filed Sep 18, 2008 · Fuel system, Transmission · OH

It has happened a few times the lever in the gas tank that lets the gas gauge know how much gas is in it sticks when it says a quarter tank it is actually completely empty. This has left myself and my two babies left to walk and get pushed to a gas station. The other complaint is that the transmission makes a really load whining noise when overdrive is off.

Filed May 12, 2008 · Transmission · OH

There is a very loud whining noise that come from the transmission.

Filed Oct 3, 2004 · Transmission · 38,620 miles · NC

Sole owner of 1998 jeep grand cherokee 2wd with less than 39,000 to date. Vehicle has been treated with care and it has received regular maintenance service from local jeep dealerships, excluding a few oil changes. Rear carrier, pinion and axle bearings replaced at 32,339 miles (07-08-03) due to significant whining noise in rear of vehicle, within a month after driving from california to north carolina. Noise returns in september 2004. At 38,620 miles on 09-28-04, same local dealership advises that bearings are bad again and has offered goodwill warranty repair. Although dealership is paying for 2nd repair, I am concerned because the vehicle needed a bearing job after so few miles and then needs another 6,000 miles later. I'm concerned that there is something more serious wrong with the driveline, which is causing the bearing problem, and could result in a serious failure. The vehicle received a routine service of the rear differential at the local dealership in california on 01-18-02 at 24,643 miles. Could this have started the problem? The vehicle has had other repairs (A/C condenser coil, power seat assembly, starter, fuel pump, brake master cylinder, ), some which seem somewhat unreasonable, but this one seems extremely unreasonable.

Filed Apr 5, 2004 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · VA

Rear end made a loud noise and after that the rear differential is very loud. It is like a grinding whining noise. After problem started occurring I have had minor transmission slips in first and second gears. This is the third occurrence of this problem in as many years. The first two times the warranty covered it but is has since expired. This vehicle has never been driven off road or towed anything or experienced a heavy payload. Doesn't seem right for this part to keep going bad like this with only highway/city light-duty driving.

Filed Mar 11, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 42,000 miles · MD

1. Fuel injector failed causing the engine to misfire and operate on only 5 out of 6 cylinders. 2. In the same cylinder (#6) rod broke, causing engine to blow and need replacement at only 42,000 miles. 3. Power steering pump almost fell off the vehicle. (most likely due to improper installation after engine rebuild). 4. Brakes constantly squeak or make grinding noise when pressure is applied. When temperatures are below 50 degrees, a high pitched whinning noise is heard from underneath the vehicle. Can only be heard when traveling under 45 MPH - due to road noise masking the sound. (multiple dealers have not been able to determine what the problem is nor be able to fix it, so constantly whines). 5. Fuel gauge fluctuates when 3/4 full (drops to empty and fuel light turns on, then returns to normal reading. Will continue to do this until tank is 1/4 full). Told this is a problem with the fuel sensor. 6. Transmission is occasionally rough (jerky shifting between 1st and 2nd gears).

Filed Feb 4, 2003 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · SC

Vehicle makes a knocking noise. Noise appears to be coming from area of front passenger tire area....my mechanic has replaced the shocks, control arm bushings and transmission mount strap and track bar bushings....this has not solved the problem. The jeep dealership in north charleston, sc has replaced the sway bar links and basically rebuilt the rear end....still knocking persists. Jeep advises noise is normal...I disagree. Jeep worked on this vehicle about 2 years ago...my mechanic in january of 2003. Knocking only occurs over light bumps, roughness in road...or on dirt roads. Knocking especially loud when turning a corner. Would really appreciate any information on this. Also, in mornings especially when cold outside when you put jeep into reverse a loud whining noise coming from rear. Have had transmission fluid changed, but did not help.

Filed Apr 11, 2002 · Transmission · CA

The rear differential began making a howling noise getting louder and louder. Pinion gear has play and is loose where it enters the differential. The local dealer here in ventura california says that it is not warranty and we will have to pay for it. This is ridiculous due to the low mileage on the vehicle. It has not been driven off road nor pulled heavy loads. I have driven many vehicles over the last 20 years and have never had a differential problem before till now. I see on your site also that this is a known problem...what is the fix? Of course chrysler does not want to deal with it. I see also that persons who have had repairs performed at the dealership have had the same problem reoccur. It seems this assembly may be defective?

Filed Feb 25, 2002 · Transmission · CO

There is a loud whine coming from the transmission area. This can be heard from inside the vehicle. It doesn't matter if the transmission is in neutral or drive. As long as the vehicle is moving there is a loud whine. The local dealership couldn't identify the problem and wanted to start taking apart components to resolve this issue.

Filed Feb 25, 2000 · Body, Fuel system · VA

Dealer sold vehicle with leaking rear seals, defective differential. Noticed bumping and whining noise less than 8 hours after purchase. Sun roof leaked causing the headliner to detach from roof of vehicle. Repaired once-said drain tubes were routed properly. Second time replaced roof-said seals did not match. Rear differential replaced. But did not address leakage around transfer case, seals etc in dec 98. Now it's in the shop again! Gas gauge fluctuates to empty when idling. Transmission slips. Driver seat automatiically reclines and heater does not work consistently.

Filed Jun 10, 1999 · Transmission · FL

Howling noise when traveling between 50 to 70 MPH. Have had vehicle into the dealership 9 times for same problem. The grand cherokee is a quadra-trac. The dealership and the chrysler rep. (bob horne) have told us that chrylser is aware of this problem and cannot repair the problem, that we have to "live with it" or purchase a select-trac or 2-wheel drive the next time. That was their solution for fixing our vehicle. If chrysler is aware that the problem exists, why are they not letting the consumer know at the time of purchase and investigating the problem to find a solution. We didn't pay almost 30,000.00 to listen to a howling noise in the rear-end for 4 years, and to be told to turn the radio up louder.....please help.

Filed May 21, 1999 · Transmission · KY

Loud whine appearing to originate from rear differential. Dealer removed differential and observed obvious wear to gears. Replaced with new differential. Whine is louder and higher pitched.

Filed May 3, 1999 · Suspension, Transmission · SC

Transmission makes a whining noise when vehicle is put into reverse when the vehicle is first started, rear end replaced, front end replaced, transfer case replaced, transmission taken completely apart and no repair. Service department does not know how to repair.