Clicking noise on 4WD

[jasonKJ03]

Hi,
After a recent 4WD trip, the first since installing a 2.5" Frankenlift, the front wheel drive in the part time 4WD-hi begun a clicking noise similar to a rattling chain when driving. Regular rear wheel 2WD doesn't make a noise. 4WD-lo made the same noise out on the trail but not around town when trying to replicate for the mechanics.
It's in at the Jeep dealership now under a warranty service, but 2 mechanics and their foreman have all looked at it and can't work it out, but I don't think they've pulled it apart yet.
Googling has found a bit of information but nothing conclusive, from what I see,
http://www.enn.com/climate/article/24121 is what I personally believe it is (see "Clicking noise from the transmission while in four wheel drive")
I think something's going on with the Transfer Case.
I've already dismissed the idea that it is the CV joints because this is happening in a straight line as well as turning (CV joints would suggest quiet straight line, noise when turning).
But the mechanic at the dealership suspects it may be the axle?
Anyone else have any experience of this?

 

[tjkj2002]

Still could be the front CV's,clicking while going straight just means that they are really bad.

It can also be the t-case linkage isn't adjusted properly,not fully engaging into 4wd or the chain is streached and slapping against the t-case housing.

 

[JeepJeepster]

Could be the front driveshaft. Since it only does it in 4wd.

 

[hectikart]

Did you ever resolve this? I'm having something similar. Was in 4hi on a trail today, and when making relatively tight turns I was getting a clicking found from my front end. My first thought was binding, but I was in the woods on dirt so I don't think that was it. I always try to avoid full lock in 4wd, so they weren't that tight of turns.

I haven't done any testing in 4low, and in 2hi I get no clicking. I'm thinking possible CV's and check my fluids. I did go through some pretty deep mud and crap a few weeks ago, enough to coat the entire engine and underside of the hood with mud...and since then I've had to replace a u-joint and noticed this clicking sound.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

You would think that after five years we would of heard something!

 

[hectikart]

You would think that after five years we would of heard something!

you would think...must still be a mystery.

Unfortunately, I'm thinking my problem may not be a CV joint. I had a guy I work with that's a mechanic listen to it and he said horrible words I didn't want to hear like "transfer case" and "differential"....possibly fron't drive shaft u-joint, which wouldn't be completely surprising because I just had to do the rear.

I can tell it's coming from driver front...I can actually feel the clicking under my left foot. Like a clicking, almost buckling sound. any thoughts? maybe time for that SFA swap I've always dreamed about?

 

[ThatsMrGimp2U]

Hate to dig up a way old post but my lib just started doing the same thing. I can actually see the front driveshaft rotate abnormally when i hear the click/clunk if im looking under the car

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Check the boot on the backend of the front driveshaft.

 

[ThatsMrGimp2U]

The seal that goes into the transfer case from the front driveshaft is toast. In searching for this part is it the Front output shaft seal? I cant find much that says front driveshaft.

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

The seal that goes into the transfer case from the front driveshaft is toast. In searching for this part is it the Front output shaft seal? I cant find much that says front driveshaft.

It's not a seal, it's the CV joint for the driveshaft-to-transfer case joint. An inexpensive part to replace and a pretty easy job. If you're having a shop do it, DON'T let them replace the entire shaft! Only the CV joint needs replaced.

Here's a link to DriveShaftParts.com where many of us have purchased the joint.

Bob

 

[ThatsMrGimp2U]

Check the boot on the backend of the front driveshaft.

It's not a seal, it's the CV joint for the driveshaft-to-transfer case joint. An inexpensive part to replace and a pretty easy job. If you're having a shop do it, DON'T let them replace the entire shaft! Only the CV joint needs replaced.

Here's a link to DriveShaftParts.com where many of us have purchased the joint.

Bob

Thanks guys. Im sure this saved me a lot of headache. Just ordered the joint.