Grinding/Hum noise coming from Front (Axle?)

[Tmunson]

Hello all,

I bought a new 2021 Rubicon Gladiator in January. After I purchased it, I noticed a brief hum/groan coming from the front end when going of small irregularities in the road. It would last as long as the encountered bump and then go away when passed the bump. I took it in xto the dealership (first time) and they said they did not hear it and could not duplicate it. So, I took the vehicle back. About a week later I took it back in to the same dealership (2nd time) because it seemed to be becoming more frequent. I asked them to keep it so they would certainly hear the noise if driven enough. They put 130 miles on it in just over 2 weeks and said they heard the noise but because it was not storing any codes they could not fix it. They told me to let it get worse. I took the vehicle back. On my way to work the next morning it did it at least 12 times; of which 2 times the noise lasted 3-10 seconds. I took it back in again (third time) and they have decided to replace the ABS module thinking it is faulty. Dealer says 6-10 days out from getting the ABS module in stock to replace it.

Has anyone else run into something similar with their Rubicon Gladiator? I saw the post about the Forward Axle Disconnect (FAD) issue and I personally believe that is the issue. Any other ideas?

Anyhow... really frustrated that I spent almost $60,000 on a vehicle that I am unable to drive and already has issues.

Cheers,

Trent

Sponsored

 

[jac04]

Sounds like it could be the FAD (Front Axle Disconnect) issue with the bushing at the inner/outer axle shaft connection. Does the noise go away if you put it in 4Auto (if you have Selec-Trac) or 4Hi? If the noise goes away, then it is likely the FAD issue.

 

[Dlish]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...oise-from-right-front-wheel-area-video.38318/

Fad?

 

[Tmunson]

Sounds like it could be the FAD (Front Axle Disconnect) issue with the bushing at the inner/outer axle shaft connection. Does the noise go away if you put it in 4Auto (if you have Selec-Trac) or 4Hi? If the noise goes away, then it is likely the FAD issue.

Thanks Dlish... It is only momentary when going over a bump in the roadway. It is not constant so do not have opportunity to put in 4 hi to see if it goes away. It goes away on its own until the next bump. Even then it does not do it on every bump. It is very sporadic but happens regularly yet is intermittent.

 

[JD101]

I would say almost certainly it's the composite pilot bushing at the intersection of the passenger side inner and outer axle shafts . It was probably not lubed properly when installed and went dry. It then starts to make all sorts of racket like you describe . Part is 22 bucks for 2 and like less than a 2 hour job in the driveway if you can turn wrenches confidentiality. Did mine and have had zero trouble since . Just prelube the snot out of it during install.

 

[jac04]

Thanks Dlish... It is only momentary when going over a bump in the roadway. It is not constant so do not have opportunity to put in 4 hi to see if it goes away. It goes away on its own until the next bump. Even then it does not do it on every bump. It is very sporadic but happens regularly yet is intermittent.

Just find a spot on a straightaway where it normally makes the noise when hitting a bump. Put it in 4Hi while going over the same area and see it it makes the noise. I'm not saying to try to shift it into 4Hi while it is making the noise.

 

[Tmunson]

I would say almost certainly it's the composite pilot bushing at the intersection of the passenger side inner and outer axle shafts . It was probably not lubed properly when installed and went dry. It then starts to make all sorts of racket like you describe . Part is 22 bucks for 2 and like less than a 2 hour job in the driveway if you can turn wrenches confidentiality. Did mine and have had zero trouble since . Just prelube the snot out of it during install.

Thanks JD. I looked on YouTube for a video on replacing the bushing and could not find one. Do you have any additional info on replacing it? I may just do that. Thanks again….

Trent

 

[JD101]

It's as simple as changing out the passenger side axle shaft assembly. Once you pull the inner( short side of the 2 pc set) the bushing is pressed into it . You will want a soft dead blow , some scrap wood blocks and brass angled punch . The punch to basically shear the composite bushing and take it out in pieces . There are plenty of other ways , but this worked fine . Once removed and cleaned up ( check for any burs , or deep gouging correct if present) the new bushing can be gently driven in how ever you choose .I started it square and turned the axle shaft upside down on a flat block of wood and used a poly dead blow and the weight of the shaft to tap in to full seat. Next a good coat of grease on the splines , inner bushing and pilot followed by a douse of gear lube also . Reassemble and top off diff . !!! Grease /lube all friction surfaces like the FAD fork and collar too. !!! I think JL life on you tube has an vid on fad delete and an axle r +r that should help you .

 

[Snazzelberrywillie]

I had the same thing. Sounded like it was going into 4 wheel drive for a few seconds after hitting bump. Took it to the dealer and they found a service bulletin for the exact same thing. They needed to replace parts in the transfer case. It was all under warranty and I haven't had any problems since.

 

[Snazzelberrywillie]

Thats the star case number.

 

[Tmunson]

I had the same thing. Sounded like it was going into 4 wheel drive for a few seconds after hitting bump. Took it to the dealer and they found a service bulletin for the exact same thing. They needed to replace parts in the transfer case. It was all under warranty and I haven't had any problems since.

Thanks Rob… that is is exactly what I have been trying to get them complete. They are recluctant so I offered to pay for the repair up front and they can reimburse me on the back end when it is proved to have fixed the issue. Ridiculous, I know, but I need it corrected. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[Tmunson]

Thats the star case number.

Thanks for sharing that! Very cool of you.

Sponsored