Yes, yet another grinding/clunking noise thread

[The 1]

Installed 4.5” tf springs this last summer on my 20 rubi. Has upper and lower ca’s front and rear. The last few months I’ve been noticing a grinding/clunking noise at low speed while driving straight and turning. I’ve seen quite a few posts about this but I haven’t seen a solution or cause. In my case, it doesn’t seem to be the abs system as it continues to happen after I’ve already exceeded the 7 mph. The ride at speed is smooth with no issues, but this grinding noise is persistent at low speed and it’s driving me crazy.

Anyone familiar with this? TIA

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[OHJeeper]

If you get outside and have someone drive it, does it sound more like it's coming from the center or front/rear?

I have a new transfer case on order due to an issue like this. Sounds like creaking, then clunking - mostly when turning or under load (like up my driveway) at low speed.

I am not 100% sure the new TC will fix my issue, but I'm going to get them replace it (on the 12th) and see.

 

[OHJeeper]

Actually, here's a video of mine... ignore the squeaking tires on my driveway. Right about 12s in you can hear it really bad.

Video

 

[The 1]

Actually, here's a video of mine... ignore the squeaking tires on my driveway. Right about 12s in you can hear it really bad.

Video

Hmm. Yours sounds a little different than mine. Have you figured it out?

 

[The 1]

I still need to get someone to listen for it. I’ve been trying to figure it out in my own. Might record it somehow like you did.

 

[OHJeeper]

Hmm. Yours sounds a little different than mine. Have you figured it out?

I have an appointment Monday to get my T-Case swapped out. Crossing my fingers because it's annoying me to no end!

I'll post here either way

 

[OHJeeper]

I still need to get someone to listen for it. I’ve been trying to figure it out in my own. Might record it somehow like you did.

Having two people definitely helps. Recording it didn't help me locate it, I just recorded it in case yours was the same. Walking next to my rig while my wife slowly drove it on my driveway was the only way I could isolate it to the T-case area.

 

[OHJeeper]

UPDATE: Had my transfer case, the driveshaft flange and new mounting bolts all replaced yesterday. Happy to report the noise is GONE!!

@The 1, good luck with yours: I hope you find the root cause... chassis noises are never fun.

 

[TheHime]

UPDATE: Had my transfer case, the driveshaft flange and new mounting bolts all replaced yesterday. Happy to report the noise is GONE!!

@The 1, good luck with yours: I hope you find the root cause... chassis noises are never fun.

did yours make more noise when you turned? Having the same issue.

 

[OHJeeper]

did yours make more noise when you turned? Having the same issue.

Yes, definitely when turning and more pronounced when turning right for some reason.

Unfortunately, it came back about 1000 miles later and is progressively getting worse. I bought some chassis ears to try and diagnose, but haven't had the chance to yet.

 

[OHJeeper]

UPDATE - I took mine in for the clutch recall and let them know that the noise in the drivetrain was getting progressively worse and wanted that looked at, too. A couple of weeks ago I put some chassis ears all over the underside of my rig and quickly ruled out any suspension issues - ball joints, bushings, etc.

I was perplexed because I narrowed it down to this location (circled in red) in multiple configurations of the chassis ears:

Obviously you can't attach these ears directly to any moving parts, but I was convinced that something under that driveshaft boot was loose/playing although I could not for the life of me figure out how.

So, I spoke to the service manager and told him about the pics so I could help him diagnose and he kind of brushed me off which sort of pissed me off. Oh well, it's on them now.

I get a call last night that the clutch is done, but they can't remount the transmission crossmember because 2 of the washers for the bolts that hold the crossmember onto the frame are missing - like, gone - so they have to order the bolts/washers. Then I get a call later "Good news - those bolts are included in the kit from MOPAR for the clutch recall, so we can finish it tonight". I asked about the noise and they had no answer for me.

I get a text this AM - everything is fixed. I anticipated that the noise was unaddressed, but to my surprise, the noise was diagnosed as being caused by those missing washers and the tech noticed them before they even started the clutch work - the crossmember was just loose enough that it allowed play in the fuel tank skid plate against the frame. EXACTLY where my noisiest chassis ear is identified in the above pictures.

I drove around the parking lot a couple of times with extreme steering angles to make sure it was solved. Drove home, no noise. Pulled into my garage where it ALWAYS makes the noise... silent.

So far... It appears to be fixed!

 

[WoolyKris]

Had a very similar issue, the tech did not torque crossmember bolts to the spec after replacing the clutch. One fell out other was very loose. Started with a faint knocking noise which I figured was probably worn pads, then all out the sudden loud clank and grinding noise while driving back home yesterday evening… found some spare bolts in the tool box and retightened, all good now. Never will trust the dealer again

 

[RudeJeepin]

Had a very similar issue, the tech did not torque crossmember bolts to the spec after replacing the clutch. One fell out other was very loose. Started with a faint knocking noise which I figured was probably worn pads, then all out the sudden loud clank and grinding noise while driving back home yesterday evening… found some spare bolts in the tool box and retightened, all good now. Never will trust the dealer again

That's your drive shaft carrier bearing, that could of been real bad at freeway speeds. Just imagine that coming completely loose and dropping down. Major carnage at the very least, not to mention the possibility of dismemberment or loss of life...scary shit for sure.

Glad you found it before it got worse.

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