97 Cherokee - 4WD problem?

Question

Hello again folks,I can't tell you what a help you all have been lately.  Thanks forsharing your knowledge and experience!  I am hoping to get someinsight on another inquiry...I just purchased a 97 Cherokee, and it seems to be in good shape...engine is smooth and powerful, auto trans shifts smooth, handles well,etc.  But when I engage 4WD, there seems to be an excessive amount ofnoise and vibration.  Also, when I shift back to 2WD, the 4WD lightgoes out, but it seems to take a while for 4WD to disengage.  Doesanybody have thoughts on what this might be or what the possibleremedy is?  It sounds expensive....The only other problem I have so far with this vehicle is there is abit of play in the steering wheel... but it's not worth worrying aboutunless it's an easy fix.I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but have never owned a Jeep andam not familiar at all with working on them.  I might have to get aprofessional involved :)Many thanks again,Matt

jdoe · Accepted Answer

THe 4wd system on a jeep tends to be on the noisey side. Keep in mind thepart time unit should NOT be used on dry pavement. Also if you get into 4wdlow range you're going to hear alot of noise and such. When coming back outof 4wd it's normal to take a little while. Without actually hearing itthough it's hard to tell if your's is right.Larry

Matt H · Answer

Thanks for the info Larry. I talked to some other Jeep owners and received similar responses. It seems as though mine is indeed operating normally. I had the lubraicant in the diffs and xfer case changed, which helped a little.

I was surprised to find that 4WD remains engaged for several tenths of a mile after shifting out. I hadn't noticed it on other 4WD units I've driven (Durango and Tacoma), but then again those vehicles seemed to have very quiet 4WD mechanisms. Thanks again.

97 Cherokee - 4WD problem?

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