Issues right out of the dealership parking lot

[iblowatsports]

As my latest update, I am furious. I have picked up my truck after the "repairs". The invoice states that they replaced the intermediate axle on the right side of the front end (the one that goes between the diff and the FAD) and that the truck was test driven to confirm the issue is gone. I got right on the highway and immediately noticed that the identical issue is still present and might even be worse. I reached out to the manager and received the response:
" I held it at a steady 62 mph as before and I was feeling some of the same condition as before. I reached out to the Field Engineer hoping he was in the area and would be able to take a ride with me. He was not, but did advise that this is a common concern and it is because the front axle is a free floating axle. He states that unless I have something that is confirmed to be leaking, broken or damaged, no further repairs are suggested at this time.

He is indicating that it is just the way the front axle was designed. If further repairs are suggested, I will communicate this information to you"

So the FCA engineer is now stating that this is "normal" and my dealership knowingly lied on the invoice saying the issue was fixed. This is absolute BS and I don't even know what to do anymore, they've taken my dream truck and just soured me entirely. I don't know if jeep cares can do anything about this but I am livid

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[XJ2JTChris]

Ah....i just typed three different replies, I am at a loss for words. Hope something changes for you/us as I haven't even heard back from my case manager or service dept yet.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

man that sucks. So what I would do...

As my latest update, I am furious. I have picked up my truck after the "repairs". The invoice states that they replaced the intermediate axle on the right side of the front end (the one that goes between the diff and the FAD) and that the truck was test driven to confirm the issue is gone. I got right on the highway and immediately noticed that the identical issue is still present and might even be worse. I reached out to the manager and received the response:
" I held it at a steady 62 mph as before and I was feeling some of the same condition as before. I reached out to the Field Engineer hoping he was in the area and would be able to take a ride with me. He was not, but did advise that this is a common concern and it is because the front axle is a free floating axle. He states that unless I have something that is confirmed to be leaking, broken or damaged, no further repairs are suggested at this time.

He is indicating that it is just the way the front axle was designed. If further repairs are suggested, I will communicate this information to you"

So the FCA engineer is now stating that this is "normal" and my dealership knowingly lied on the invoice saying the issue was fixed. This is absolute BS and I don't even know what to do anymore, they've taken my dream truck and just soured me entirely. I don't know if jeep cares can do anything about this but I am livid

Sorry you are having the issue.
So, the rear driveshaft is not the issue but they feel it is in the front axle but that it is normal?
Have you swapped tires entirely? maybe see if a friend with a JL will swap so you can test that.
Pull the front driveshaft (be sure to mark it first) see what happens.
Have the dealership put it on the rack and drive it up there. They should be able to track that noise/issue down with mechanics headphones easily.
Are you able to take a video of the issue? Maybe we can help you figure it out. Ive put my gopro under my truck a few times to try and pinpoint noises.

 

[iblowatsports]

As a new update after many stern emails to the service manager and after looking closely at the invoice... I found out (via part descriptions and looking at the part #s on moparparts) that they did not replace the drive axles as he thought/stated. They only replaced the short intermediate axle (the little shaft from the diff to the front axle disconnect). He checked this with his mechanic and found that they did not in fact do what was expected. The last I heard, he reached out to FCA and has ordered the parts to replace the axle shaft, which I guess is showing a delivery for December? I don't even know anymore, I also noticed I have a free floating plastic ring on my axle between the u joint and the axle housing that I don't remember being there. It spins completely freely and doesn't seem to do much of anything, at this point my confidence in them performing repairs on my truck is pretty low

 

[Jeepdude413]

The little plastic ring thingy is just to keep big stuff from finding its way into the axle tube if I’m not mistaken. Sux u r having issue w/ repairs. Thanks for keeping us posted on ur trials and tribulations. Hope it gets better.!!

 

[XJ2JTChris]

As a new update after many stern emails to the service manager and after looking closely at the invoice... I found out (via part descriptions and looking at the part #s on moparparts) that they did not replace the drive axles as he thought/stated. They only replaced the short intermediate axle (the little shaft from the diff to the front axle disconnect). He checked this with his mechanic and found that they did not in fact do what was expected. The last I heard, he reached out to FCA and has ordered the parts to replace the axle shaft, which I guess is showing a delivery for December? I don't even know anymore, I also noticed I have a free floating plastic ring on my axle between the u joint and the axle housing that I don't remember being there. It spins completely freely and doesn't seem to do much of anything, at this point my confidence in them performing repairs on my truck is pretty low

Sounds more like a service dept problem than FCA just shrugging their shoulders and saying it's "normal". Consider going to a different service dept?

 

[Lazarus_JT]

As a new update after many stern emails to the service manager and after looking closely at the invoice... I found out (via part descriptions and looking at the part #s on moparparts) that they did not replace the drive axles as he thought/stated. They only replaced the short intermediate axle (the little shaft from the diff to the front axle disconnect). He checked this with his mechanic and found that they did not in fact do what was expected. The last I heard, he reached out to FCA and has ordered the parts to replace the axle shaft, which I guess is showing a delivery for December? I don't even know anymore, I also noticed I have a free floating plastic ring on my axle between the u joint and the axle housing that I don't remember being there. It spins completely freely and doesn't seem to do much of anything, at this point my confidence in them performing repairs on my truck is pretty low

What was your build date? just wondering if ours were close to the same build date with similer problems.

 

[iblowatsports]

What was your build date? just wondering if ours were close to the same build date with similer problems.

My sticker says 5/19 for manufactured date

 

[iblowatsports]

man that sucks. So what I would do...


Sorry you are having the issue.
So, the rear driveshaft is not the issue but they feel it is in the front axle but that it is normal?
Have you swapped tires entirely? maybe see if a friend with a JL will swap so you can test that.
Pull the front driveshaft (be sure to mark it first) see what happens.
Have the dealership put it on the rack and drive it up there. They should be able to track that noise/issue down with mechanics headphones easily.
Are you able to take a video of the issue? Maybe we can help you figure it out. Ive put my gopro under my truck a few times to try and pinpoint noises.

I have thought about mounting a GoPro in a few spots to pinpoint it. Originally the techs were going to drive it on a rolling rack so they could listen and pinpoint the sound but they said "the electronics in the truck don't allow us to do that". I'm sure the traction control doesn't like that, but the idea that they have no way to disable it as a DEALER just seems total BS to me

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

I have thought about mounting a GoPro in a few spots to pinpoint it. Originally the techs were going to drive it on a rolling rack so they could listen and pinpoint the sound but they said "the electronics in the truck don't allow us to do that". I'm sure the traction control doesn't like that, but the idea that they have no way to disable it as a DEALER just seems total BS to me

They can absolutely put it on a rack and drive it. It would eliminate the suspension from the equation entirely.
If you could narrow down the general direction you could 100% use mechanics stethoscope to easily pinpoint it.
I mean all you can do is find another dealer and see if they are willing to take a look or find some friends or a jeep club and start figuring it out on your own (this is what I would do).
I hope you figure it out.

 

[iblowatsports]

They can absolutely put it on a rack and drive it. It would eliminate the suspension from the equation entirely.
If you could narrow down the general direction you could 100% use mechanics stethoscope to easily pinpoint it.
I mean all you can do is find another dealer and see if they are willing to take a look or find some friends or a jeep club and start figuring it out on your own (this is what I would do).
I hope you figure it out.

I've definitely been looking into all of these options, I actually have an appointment for Monday to have those front axles replaced but I doubt it'll fix it. I did find this thread on JLs having similar issues where they were resolved just by rotating the driveshaft 180 degrees where it connects to the rear diff.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/floor-vibration.5872/page-4 I'm not sure if a dealer would consider trying this, I also don't want to have my warranty voided lol

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

I've definitely been looking into all of these options, I actually have an appointment for Monday to have those front axles replaced but I doubt it'll fix it. I did find this thread on JLs having similar issues where they were resolved just by rotating the driveshaft 180 degrees where it connects to the rear diff.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/floor-vibration.5872/page-4 I'm not sure if a dealer would consider trying this, I also don't want to have my warranty voided lol

Go do it yourself right now it won't void a warranty. The only way that would resolve it is if these driveshafts are phased. Just mark it with chalk rotate it and drive it.

 

[Jimmy196791]

My JT engine was making a ticking noise at idle. I took it to the dealer and they said it was normal. Went back again and said it sounded like a diesel motor and the dealer said it was the purge valve. So I had to do my own diagnostics. I went to another dealer and test drove another JT and it was very quiet. So I then took it to my trusted mechanic and he pinpointed it to the rocker arm on the right side. So I then went back to the dealer told them to unplug the purge valve put some stethoscopes on the right valve cover. Now the Technician can hear the noise and they are going to replace the rocker arms and cam shaft. By doing my own diagnosis I think I saved myself at least five trips to the dealership.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

My JT engine was making a ticking noise at idle. I took it to the dealer and they said it was normal. Went back again and said it sounded like a diesel motor and the dealer said it was the purge valve. So I had to do my own diagnostics. I went to another dealer and test drove another JT and it was very quiet. So I then took it to my trusted mechanic and he pinpointed it to the rocker arm on the right side. So I then went back to the dealer told them to unplug the purge valve put some stethoscopes on the right valve cover. Now the Technician can hear the noise and they are going to replace the rocker arms and cam shaft. By doing my own diagnosis I think I saved myself at least five trips to the dealership.

Yes!

 

[Lazarus_JT]

just got a code yesterday for a stuck rocker arm in the high position ill be taking it in on monday. hopefully this resolves the vibration and the multiple check engine lights i keep getting.

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