Based on your description, I suspect you have a bad wheel hub bearing going bad. They are common to fail with higher mileage.
Also could be tire noise in rare occasions.
Does the noise increase as speed increases?
Not likely a front differential problem, but it could be a pinion bearing or carrier bearing going bad. (very rare)
To truly diagnose, vehicle needs to be put on a rack fully lifted with all four tires off the ground and all four wheels spun up to speed while a mechanic listens to each bearing to find the bad one.
All the front drive line parts still spin even when in only 2 wheel drive.
Sounds like you really need a second diagnosis!

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Supporting Vendor and Moderator of LOST05 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited 
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