Intermittent Rub Noise/Front end "Grind"

[911brad]

Updated: Noise has gotten worse and now lasts a full second and includes a dragging feeling in the front end. It almost feels as though I'm going over a rumble strip. I'd describe the noise as that light "grind" or "drag" noise you used to hear when you engaged 4x4 in an old transfer case. Dealer appointment next week. Further research shows it's likely the Front Axle Disconnect TSB issue other have also had.
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I'm three months and 4000 miles into owning my second Jeep Gladiator after having had the first one bought back from FCA as a lemon. Admittedly I'm super sensitive to any little noise or oddity that my truck makes and the Jeep warning chimes still give me a tad of anxiety every time they make noise. Recently while driving I noticed a slight rubbing noise or feeling that I'd equate to driving over a rumble strip, or a tire tread rubbing against something. This is occurring on flat dry pavement while traveling straight and level usually at highway speeds. This noise or feeling only lasts a tenth of a second or less, and I can't put any pattern to it, or even tell if it's actually coming from my truck or if it's 100% me being paranoid.

The only modifications I've done are swapping out wheels and tires, and having a reputable 4x4 shop install 1.5 front level kit. Upon inspection I can see no evidence of the tire rubbing against anything, there's no oil leaks present, and nothing appears to be hotter than expected for normal driving.

Any thoughts? Am I losing it, or are these possible symptoms that I have something starting?

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[RobbertCole]

sell it, its going to explode literally any minute.

 

[sass JT]

Here’s my question(s) does it happen at the same spot in the road at the same speed or is it always there when you speed up or slow down?

I’m pretty sensitive to noises and issues in my rig too but I have fully customized my rig knowing that there will be issues that I will need to fix. Anytime you make a change from stock your going to have fix things. That’s regardless of any vehicle.

 

[911brad]

Here’s my question(s) does it happen at the same spot in the road at the same speed or is it always there when you speed up or slow down?

I’m pretty sensitive to noises and issues in my rig too but I have fully customized my rig knowing that there will be issues that I will need to fix. Anytime you make a change from stock your going to have fix things. That’s regardless of any vehicle.

Not happening at the same spot in the road or at the same speed, all completely random locations and speed. It's usually most noticeable on the flat-level because I can hear it. All of this just started over the past few days. All mods I have are now more than a month old, so if there is a problem it didn't coincide directly with changes made.

I was more looking to see if this was maybe a symptom pre-cursor to the axle problems I've read about other having, etc. I'm not going to drive it into a tree or anything, I'm more asking as a matter of preventative maintenance so that I can watch out for more developing issues.

 

[AlxCZ]

I'm three months and 4000 miles into owning my second Jeep Gladiator after having had the first one bought back from FCA as a lemon. Admittedly I'm super sensitive to any little noise or oddity that my truck makes and the Jeep warning chimes still give me a tad of anxiety every time they make noise. Recently while driving I noticed a slight rubbing noise or feeling that I'd equate to driving over a rumble strip, or a tire tread rubbing against something. This is occurring on flat dry pavement while traveling straight and level usually at highway speeds. This noise or feeling only lasts a tenth of a second or less, and I can't put any pattern to it, or even tell if it's actually coming from my truck or if it's 100% me being paranoid.

The only modifications I've done are swapping out wheels and tires, and having a reputable 4x4 shop install 1.5 front level kit. Upon inspection I can see no evidence of the tire rubbing against anything, there's no oil leaks present, and nothing appears to be hotter than expected for normal driving.

Any thoughts? Am I losing it, or are these possible symptoms that I have something starting?

is it awurrrrrrr sound or a aaaaawhooooga sound or a chugachugachuga sound? Any of those three, and I would check your wipers first, then the headlights, then take it in for another trade.

 

[911brad]

Some great helpers here...

Anyways, updated OP. Noise has gotten more pronounced, lasts longer and now includes a "dragging" feel which almost feels like brake application in the front end. Going to the dealership next week I hope. Seems to be consistent with the Front Axle Disconnect issue others have had in the past.

 

[floatingsidewalk]

So, what ever happened to this JT? I have the same issue going on - a really light grinding noise when leaving stops, then it goes away.

 

[coastiej171]

So, what ever happened to this JT? I have the same issue going on - a really light grinding noise when leaving stops, then it goes away.

Look up front axle disconnect or FAD. This was the issue I had in 2021 shortly after i bought my jeep. TSB changed from a plastic bushing to a brass one. This completely fixed the issue for me and haven’t had any since.

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