2001 Wrangler Drivetrain Noise

Got a 2001 wrangler with only 30K, that has a loud drivetrain sqeak that appears to come from middle of the vehicle. Not an engine problem, sounds to be comming from the middle of the truck. The rear end on this one has also been replaced twice but that was not the issue. What else would cause a sqeak like this.

The wierd thing about it is that is intermittent and seems to happen more when cold. sometimes not.


Dealer has looked at it 5 times now and does not hear anything. I'd say it will probably happen for 3 miles out of 50 or so.

it is the 4.0 with the automatic. only thing i can think of is something in the trans going but not sure what else it could be.


Also on these is the speed monitored by a central VSS or by the wheel speed sensors in addition to the VSS? how hard is the vss to change?

Is it a high pitched repetitive squeek that gets faster as you increase driving speed and usually happens when you start out but tends to go away after driving for a bit? Sounds like its coming from right under the accelerator pedal?
If it is, it sounds like a common problem referred to as "angry sparrows". The CV joint in the front driveshaft dries out and needs to be pulled apart and relubed. I dont know how mechanically inclined you are but an easy way to check this is to pull the front driveshaft off at the differential and tie it up real good out of the way, then go for a drive, the "angry sparrows" will be quiet.
Also, if you can change a u-joint, you can fix this problem. Dont pay a dealer to do it, they will replace the whole driveshaft and charge you for it. You can do the job in an hour or so for less than $50.
Let me know if you think this is your problem. I can give you a link to a real good website that describes rebuilding the CV joint step by step. Its incredible to me that Jeep mechanics can never find the common Jeep problems.

Also on these is the speed monitored by a central VSS or by the wheel speed sensors in addition to the VSS? how hard is the vss to change?

Not completely sure about a 2001 in particular but the VSS should be located on the t-case output shaft. I believe it has three wires that go into the PCM. This is the only VSS Im aware of but its possible that if you have antilock brakes, the sensors at the axle hubs may comunicate between the PCM and VSS also. Removing the VSS is as easy as removing a bolt and pulling the sensor out.