Not exactly sure where this should go... but hopefully I can find the help I need.

I've got a 2007 JKU and I just recently noticed an annoying squeak from the rear of my Jeep. It sounds like it's from the driver's side, but I can't identify where the squeak is coming from. This past weekend I replaced the front and rear bumpers and removed the side steps, but I'm pretty sure that's not the source of the trouble as both front and rear bumpers are tight.

It seems to be most prevalent while accelerating, and braking generally stops the squeak. I've read many forums where people said it would squeak for a few seconds and then stop; however, in my case, the squeaking is constant.

I took it for a 140+ mile trip yesterday, and it seemed to lessen after driving at 70+ mph for an extended time, but quickly came back.

Any ideas or suggestions what it could be?

 

Some more info might be helpful:

1. Is the squeak regular? Does it vary with driving speed?

2. At what speeds does the squeak occur? Can you cause the squeak when stopped (say by jumping up and down on bumper)? Can you cause the squeak to occur by slowly rolling the Jeep in a driveway (engine off)?

3. Does your Jeep have any mods, especially suspension mods (a lift) or aftermarket driveshafts or axle shafts?

 

Once I started to notice the squeak, I think two days ago, it's been regular. I have noticed that when I accelerate it seems to get louder and possibly a little faster (if that makes sense), but when I brake, the squeak goes away entirely. But once I let off the brake while still moving upwards of 20+ it squeaks again. It also seems to increase the squeak with any bumps in the road.

It generally starts around 10 mph and is there the as long as I'm not applying the brake, or sitting still. I haven't tried jumping on the bumper, but I will try that on my lunch break, nor have I tried to roll the Jeep while the engine's off, but I will check that later as well.

I have no suspension mods or really anything aftermarket. The only mods I've made are changing the bumpers and removing the steps. I'm hoping to put on a 2.5" coil lift and 35's in a couple months, but as of now, it's very much stock.

 

like suggested jump up and down on the bumper or have someone do it while you crawl under to determine where the squeak is happening. Also, Check your swaybar bushings, swaybar links and even your coil springs in the rear which may have sand or grit or bushings just requiring some lube (WD40).

Also, I suggest taking your rear tires off and check your rear brake pads to see how much is left as the rear pads wear out quickly with the stability control or you may have a rock jammed between the pad/rotor or even a cracked pad.

 

What you are describing sounds like it could be brake pads that are low. I have had this happen before on vehicles that were in need of new pads. There is a clip on the pad that rubs on the rotor to let you know with a squeak that you need new brakes. Have you checked the brakes lately? The squeak dies stop when the brakes are applied, but eventually if pads are not changed then grinding will start.

 

I am around 130K miles, and I'm not sure they've been changed... so it could very well be the brake pads. I'll take a look at them tonight. Thanks for the help!

 

Yep. I agree this should be where you start. You can pull the wheels and easily check each pad through inspection gaps in the calipers. If you're not sure how, I'll bet YouTube will provide a video.

 

So, I just want to make sure that I'm understanding correctly. The Jeep is squeaking while driving.. I apply the brakes and the noise goes away. It sounds a little odd that if it's brake pads, that the squeak would go away then the brakes are applied, instead of getting worse..

 

I agree, but I have had a few vehicles in my life and when they needed brakes that is what they did. I won't try to explain why because I'm sure I wouldn't explain it correctly.

 

That is 100% correct. Once pressure is applied to the little tab that vibrates (when you press the brakes), the tab no longer can vibrate. It's being pushed too hard into the disk surface for it to do so. Think of fingernails dragged across a chalkboard. The pressure must be just right for it to make that wrenching sound we all hate. Too little, too much, the sound isn't there.