Banging from front end in 4H and 4L

[BanjoBani]

I took my 2021 Jeep Rubicon on a trail today to try it out and there is a horrible banging from the right side of the vehicle when is underload at 4H and 4L

It is under a 90 warranty so it has an appointment with the service department in a few days to have the issue looked at. But I am trying to go in with a clearer understanding of the issue. The tire on that side also seems a bit off and will rub the wheel well if turned all the way to the right.

I am wondering if the entire axle is bent and that is causing the issues. But could it be a smaller component, on that side of the vehicle, causing things to become misaligned, including the tire? Any advice on what I say or what I should expect when I talk to the mechanic.

I am bummed because I really like this vehicle and I am hoping it can be repaired.

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[Hootbro]

Got picture of the vehicle? Could be oversized tires, incorrect wheel offset and lift or lack of related. Assuming you bought used and may have inherited somebody else's bad mod decisions.

 

[BanjoBani]

I should have said in my post that it is completely stock.

 

[Dhilt]

Where is it rubbing? It shouldn't rubbing at all if it's stock. I have noticed a clunk in my front end and was the tie rod pinch bolts. Just torqued them and fixed the issue.

 

[BanjoBani]

It rubs the plastic liner in the wheel well when I turn all the way to the right. I am wondering if the wheel is out of alignment and that is connected to what is causing the clunking in 4 high and low.

 

[Flyin6]

Were you steering right or left when the noise occurred? If so, it may be completely natural due to the fact that you have the stock U-joints in the front axles. U-joints do not transfer power linearly when not straight (zero deflection). This may well be your issue, which is not an issue at all since you pointed to rubbing, which likely occurred while having your wheel turned.

 

[Dhilt]

Mine rubbed the inner plastic fender well brand new from the dealer. I just pushed it in a few times. It's just plastic and can be a little mis-shapened. (Not sure that's a word). Agree with flyin6. It may be normal if you are full lock to the right or left. Wouldn't hurt to get it looked at for peace of mind.

 

[BanjoBani]

I agree that the rubbing might be normal. It happens only when I steer the right, but the loud banging in 4 wheel drive is most definitely not. The bang is at regular intervals , especially when under load, like going uphill—like something is slipping and then banging. It does not seem to affected by steering. Also on closer inspection it looks like there is some inside bumper damage on the side the sound seems to be coming from. Could just be cosmetic, which doesn’t concern me so much but maybe not. The Jeep is under a 90 day warranty. Ugh.

 

[Dhilt]

Definitely bring it back and see what they say. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[pcrawfordpt]

Were you turning and were your lockers on? Hopefully you were not turning while on pavement? You will get some uncomfortable noises in 4wd, especially with lockers. Scrubbing is the most common. Brake Lock Differential engagement, that hill ascent/descent, the off road cruise control one…all those make horrible noises since the computer is driving.

 

[pcrawfordpt]

Add: if you are only in 4wd, no lockers engaged, and going straight, I would guess any banging would either be front driveshaft or front differential. Was it ever re-geared?

 

[BanjoBani]

Were you turning and were your lockers on? Hopefully you were not turning while on pavement? You will get some uncomfortable noises in 4wd, especially with lockers. Scrubbing is the most common. Brake Lock Differential engagement, that hill ascent/descent, the off road cruise control one…all those make horrible noises since the computer is driving.

Thanks. I did not have the front lockers on and it happens when I turn and when I go straight. Also I was not using the off road cruise control. I was not on pavement. I really do not feel like it is was a normal sound. I was with some other people and we drove back in 2 wheel high because it was so alarming. It was a loud banging. Sounded like something was skipping and then banging. I didn’t get any warning lights.

 

[BanjoBani]

Add: if you are only in 4wd, no lockers engaged, and going straight, I would guess any banging would either be front driveshaft or front differential. Was it ever re-geared?

It is new to me. It has the 4.10 from the factory as far as know and I doubt it has been regeared. It is stock. I got it from a dealer with a 90 day warranty. I took it on some ranch roads to see if the four wheel drive worked properly before the warranty period was up, and guess what?! Just want them to fix it is all. When I called acted like they would take care of it. I just want to go prepared. It wasn’t as clean as I thought when I purchased from them which makes me worry. It is a dream vehicle for me.

 

[pcrawfordpt]

It is new to me. It has the 4.10 from the factory as far as know and I doubt it has been regeared. It is stock. I got it from a dealer with a 90 day warranty. I took it on some ranch roads to see if the four wheel drive worked properly before the warranty period was up, and guess what?! Just want them to fix it is all. When I called acted like they would take care of it. I just want to go prepared. It wasn’t as clean as I thought when I purchased from them which makes me worry. It is a dream vehicle for me.

I’m thinking it’s fixable. Another thing is the FAD (front axle disconnect). It has a collar that slides to connect the front axle in 4wd. Maybe it’s not fully engaging? You can hear it engage when you shift into 4wd. There’s a plate they can take off to inspect full engagement and or look for metal. I would ask them to look for metal in the front differential as well. Have them check driveshaft and u joints (driveshaft and axles) for play.

 

[BanjoBani]

Thank you. I did find some oil coming out a joint here.

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