97 Cherokee - 4WD problem?

Hello again folks,

I can't tell you what a help you all have been lately. Thanks for
sharing your knowledge and experience! I am hoping to get some
insight 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 of
noise and vibration. Also, when I shift back to 2WD, the 4WD light
goes out, but it seems to take a while for 4WD to disengage. Does
anybody have thoughts on what this might be or what the possible
remedy is? It sounds expensive....

The only other problem I have so far with this vehicle is there is a
bit of play in the steering wheel... but it's not worth worrying about
unless it's an easy fix.

I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but have never owned a Jeep and
am not familiar at all with working on them. I might have to get a
professional involved

Many thanks again,
Matt

 

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

 

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.