2001 XJ 4x4 4.0l question about a noise

[mtulett1]

This noise only happens when i am moving slow and it is like a small clunking almost like there is a screw stuck in my tire. the noise increases as i accelerate until i get over about 25 mph. It sounds like it is underneath the drivers side floor boards maybe under the engine compartment. My guess is that it is the 4 wheel drive shaft u joint? No sure though. any help would be great.

[fredjacksonsan]

How many miles and what transmission?

Is the noise quick or slow? Does it speed up as the vehicle speeds up?

[mtulett1]

it has 4.0L engine with automatic trans. 158000 miles. The noise seeds up as the jeep speeds up then disappears at about 25 mph

thanks

[fredjacksonsan]

You may be looking at some new Ujoints. Usually it's the rears that go out first. On my 00 Grand Cherokee, same drivetrain, I had to do mine at 135K.

[mtulett1]

i did the rear drive shaft at about 100000 miles. could they be done already? I just use it as a daily driver and going into the bush when i hunt, no off-roading at all. Could it be the front drive shaft? Does it turn even though the 4wd isn't engaged? thanks

[fredjacksonsan]

The front does turn even when the transfer case is disconnected.

You said the noise was like a screw in the tire; so I'm thinking it's in sync with tire rotation speed?

[mtulett1]

ya i think so to so you think probably rear drive shaft or front or both?

[fredjacksonsan]

Well if it was the driveshaft it would be a quicker noise, like chikachikachika, rather than a slower noise in sync with the tires, whup whup whup. I can't do sound effects by typing.

Is it just on the road, or in all conditions?

[mtulett1]

definitely in sync with the tires....whup, whup whup describes it best and it speeds up as the Xj accelerates.

[fredjacksonsan]

Is it only on the road, or in all conditions? If it's just on the road, it may be a rotation issue, if you've got some cupping on the tires.


This may be too obvious and you've probably done it, but have you checked your tires for nails, etc?

[mtulett1]

all conditions and yes i did the tire check for nails...lol, you must know me to suggest that though..lmao

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by mtulett1

all conditions and yes i did the tire check for nails...lol, you must know me to suggest that though..lmao

Me too....many a time I've been scratching my head and someone comes over, says, "What are you doing, did you know that this thing over here is loose?"...


Is the sound metallic? Reason I ask is that since it's in sync with the tire speed, it's got to be tire related. Metallic would indicate to me a bearing or something similar. I've had branches wrapped around my axle, too and those can make a racket.

How many miles are on the tires? Tread is ok I take it?

[mtulett1]

tread is great although there is only 1/4 of the tread left. wear pattern is even.

[fredjacksonsan]

Loose or broken wheel stud? That would make a crunchy noise.

(got to get offline now for a bit)

[mtulett1]

no loose or broken wheel nut.