Trying to track down issue!

[BreeOge]

Ok, before I start, I will say that I have looked at the CV axle boots, and they are in good condition, IE not torn. here is the symptoms.

When in 4wd ONLY! and under load ONLY! My front left has a popping sound in it, however here is where it gets strange. It is only in 4wd, and it only happens when its under load of some sort. IE taking off, stopping, turning right or left. But when going strait at a constant speed flat ground, no sound nothing even in 4wd. I had someone else drive my jeep as I watched from outside, and I noticed when the pop happens that the front left tire will shutter.

Now I have read these forums up down and back again, and a few things I have came up with that might be the problem.

A. Front left CV Axle universal is bad. However when on jacks, you can turn the tire, and there is no play at all.

B. Intermediate shaft is bad? But that is only for the right side correct? my problem is on the left.

C. Bad Front Drive Train.

Anyone have an idea what could be the cause, or what I should look for when tearing it apart? Could the intermediate shaft cause problems for the left?

Thank you for any replies.

 

[LibertyTC]

Tom may have a better idea, but honestly when I hear front tire stutter/flutter, it's time for a good front end inspection.
Ball joints, LCA/UCA, stabilizer/ or known as sway bar end links inspections, repairs then alignment.
Sounds like something is shifting, not good.

 

[BreeOge]

Honestly the sound it makes is a loud popping, almost as if its jumping splines.. I hope its just the CV Axle jumping, but currently worried..

 

[tommudd]

CV boots looking good does not mean anything at all, CV or/ plus intermediate shft could be bad on right side
or the CV on left
reason it shows up more when in 4x4 and on load is due to it pulling more. When not in 4x4 it is more or less free rolling so no load on the CVs or intermediate shft
sounds also travel from one side to the other unless you under it under load and can hear well ( yes been under one in a situation like that before trying to find a noise)
So are you sure it is on the left and how did you find it there?
Personally I would pull the left CV and try it to see if sound goes away

 

[BreeOge]

Well after rebuilding the whole front Differential / CV's ect. they needed it done. I found out the popping sound is most likely coming from my transfer case chain slipping. Ugh.. Next project! Woo hoo.. What Transfer case model is the Command Trac? From what I can find it would seem to be a NV231J, but until I get under I really dont know.

One thing I would like to know, did the 07 Jeep Liberty come with the 1" or the 1.25" chain?

 

[renegade 04]

In order to know which transfer case you have you need to get under the jeep and read the id tag on the back of the transfer case.

 

[BreeOge]

Yea I have the NP231J, I am having a heck of a time getting the top bolts out, anyone have any suggestions? Tricks?

 

[Royy]

I'm working on the transfer case myself at the moment, I literally got those two nuts out five minutes ago. You'll need a 9/16 flex-head ratcheting wrench.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-9-16-in-Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Combination-Wrench-HFRW916/202942509

I've read of other people using a stubby wrench to do it. I tried it using that, but due to the short length of the wrench I was unable to put enough torque on the nuts to break them loose, and there's not enough space to hit the wrench with a hammer hard enough.

No matter what tools you use, those two are a real pain to get out.

 

[Royy]

Also, if you're planning on opening up the transfer case, make sure you have this part on hand: 05072308AA
That's the metal cover around the output shaft on the rear side. It's impossible to get it off without damaging it beyond repair(and you need to remove it in order to open the case).

 

[BreeOge]

I opened my transfer case, and well lets just say I am in the market for a new transfer case. The chain was so bad that it had almost eaten its way through the bottom of the housing, and also both sides of the shifting fork. Also one gear only has half the teeth left, I am lucky the chain didnt grenade while driving it. Oh and it was also filled with 1/4 think gunk, and had over 1/2 of metal shavings on the magnet, the oil pickup was totally clogged. So yea, need a new one, lol or used! Looking online for a replacement.

 

[BreeOge]

Also, if you're planning on opening up the transfer case, make sure you have this part on hand: 05072308AA
That's the metal cover around the output shaft on the rear side. It's impossible to get it off without damaging it beyond repair(and you need to remove it in order to open the case).

How did you get yours off?

 

[spattsurrey]

How did you get yours off?

Chiselled and pulled and ripped it off. Now to find the replacement. Hard!

 

[Johnny O]

Tom may have a better idea, but honestly when I hear front tire stutter/flutter, it's time for a good front end inspection.
Ball joints, LCA/UCA, stabilizer/ or known as sway bar end links inspections, repairs then alignment.
Sounds like something is shifting, not good.

Agreed