4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 99 Jeep Wrangler Sahara high pitch squeak, jeep wrangler sahara, jeep wrangler

Question
I have a 99 Jeep Wrangler with 95K miles.  The past 2-3 weeks I noticed that there is a high pitch squeak when I'm driving.  It sounds like the brakes are squeaking, however it happens no matter if I'm hitting the brakes or not.  Also when I'm parked and idling it stops making the noise.  I just took it into my mechanic for routine oil change, and asked them to check it out.  They stated that they couldn't find anything with my brakes/bearings/wheels/etc.  They did find the the exhaust manifold has a crack and stated that this could be causing the problem.  Do you think that this it true?  It is my understanding that air would be coming out of the crack, however wouldn't the squeaking noise continue whether I'm stopped or in motion.  I would appreciate your advice before I spend a $750 to get this fixed.


Answer
Ann,

You are right.  If it was an air leak in the manifold, you should be able to cause the problem whether you are moving or not.  If it is a cracked manifold causing this, then the squeak should change, at least slightly, with a change in the throttle.  

This is a common problem with hard brake linings or pads.  Also, some disk brakes have a wiper (piece of metal) installed on the brake pads that rubs when the brake pads get worn to a certain point.  This is designed to let you know when your pads need replacing.

I would get another opinion.  Talk to a few reputable shops without telling them what your mechanic said, and see if they come up with the same decision.

A cracked manifold is not real common in this new of a vehicle.

Carl