Differential Unit problems of the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Rear differential leaking, causing loud clunking noise.

While driving, consumer applied brakes and without warning brakes made noise and skipped. The rear axle seals were leaking. Left front out side mirror was loose. The right front window rattles. The rear hatch light was inoperable. The brakes pulsated and the rotors were resurfaced. Shock absorber makes noise when hitting slight bumps. The vehicle rattle in front at 15-30 mph. The front tires were wearing out due to misalignment. The vehicle was hard to start after warmed up.

The vehicle is "hopping" up to stop signs/stop lights. The steering wheel shudders when applying brakes at 50-60 mph. The differential was faulty from day "one", and has been disassembled and reassembled/ parts replaced up to four times. It will be fine for awhile then the whinnying/whistling/groaning progressively gets worse until I fear for my safety and take it back to the dealer for repair again. I believe this repair is faulty from the factory. ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis****761448.

During slow speed turns in reverse or forward, strange grinding and honking noises come from front of vehicle in axle and steering area. Can also feel the grinding sensation. Have contacted dealer service department several times and am told there is a pending recall for this problem, but that they haven't received it nor have they received the replacement parts necessary to fix the problem. Appears to be very similar to NHTSA TSB service bulletin numbers 0300101a & 1900401 (NHTSA item numbers sb625612 & sb621896). Were assured by service manager that problem will not harm vehicle in long-run, and that we can drive it normally until recall items are received at service department. We're concerned however about safety factors and possible long-term damage, especially as we've been given no eta on when we can have the vehicle fixed.