Transfer case/ front end noise

Let me first say thanks in advance for any replies....

Second, let me say, I did search, but found either no similar symptoms, or no resolution in the replies. Of course its hard to search for a noise that I describe as a "rattle" and other describe as a "clank." It may be the case that it has been answered a dozen times and I just didn't find it.

So here are the issues:

2007 Liberty Renegade, 3.7, automatic. Over the winter i have noticed a distinctive clatter from what I believe is the transfer case area. I think I can feel it around my footwell. It only happened after the Jeep had been warmed up. Honestly it sounds like a chainsaw's chain rattling without the motor running. It is metallic sounding. This happened regularly when I was using my 4wd on a regular basis.

Well, that problem has died down as of late, but when I went to my mechanic to get it checked out, we noticed something new. We engaged 4-hi, and the rattling/ clatter started again, but seemed further in the front end. It was not noticeable at idle, but it got worse when the drivetrain was under power. It also came from which ever corner of the front end that we were turning towards. The second problem really seemed as though something wasn't engaging entirely in the front end, and metal was grinding on metal

I am not sure if the problems are related, but i did not really feel like starting to replace large parts of the front end, so I though I would see what this knowledge base could conjure up.

Thanks!

Maybe, just maybe the inner CV cup and intermediate shaft have developed a loose relationship. Seems, in my case anyways, that the intermediate shaft may round off it's end given enough time and start skipping splines in the passenger side inner CV cup.

Your intermediate shaft may look like this...the one on top, the lower one was the new shaft.

ptsb5a said:

Maybe, just maybe the inner CV cup and intermediate shaft have developed a loose relationship. Seems, in my case anyways, that the intermediate shaft may round off it's end given enough time and start skipping splines in the passenger side inner CV cup.

Your intermediate shaft may look like this...the one on top, the lower one was the new shaft.

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Ouch. I've got a noise that's getting worse up front. I only hear it when the brake are applied, and I'm slowed down to the point of nearly stopping. At first I thought it was brake related...kinda that crunchy noise you get when you've got a warped rotor and your caliper moves around in relation to the rotor. But it's getting louder, and more persistent. I've had a bad CV in another vehicle I've owned, and it didn't sound like this, but who knows.


I need to replace my clevis bushings anyways, and was gonna do the clevis lift. i'm gonna see if i can pinpoint the issue and attempt to fix it at that time.

Thanks for the reply. I am starting to thing there are 2 issues, one with the transfer case (is it chain driven?) and one in the front differential. I will have to do some more checking and let you know....

any update to this cause i think im having a similar issue. i didnt notice it before but now that i changed to OME lift the crazies begin. when i engage 4wd it rattles, sounds like gear hitting gear grinding noise. 04 liberty, 3.7L, automatic blahblah...

edit>> more that i think about it, noise is coming from the front differential area.

Check the rear boot on your front driveshaft... see if it's intact or spewing grease.

yep... front drive shaft is shot.

You can purchase just the CV end and do the repair yourself. I believe the kit is approx. $80. Takes under an hour to replace.

found the info thanks! seems simple enough.