Normal KJ sounds

carroll952 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:04 pm

Ok, so I've got this vibration on my KJ from 45-50 and only when I push the accelerator, this vibration comes from the rear end. If I coast or anything but not push the accelerator I don't get any noises. I replied to a topic about a similar thing in the 4x4 discussion and I wanted to bring it out here so more (non 4x4 people) might be more likely to see it and respond.

I have an '05 KJ Renegade with about 1500 miles on it. It's got the command trac 4wd system, and the off road package (main thing out of here that might make a noise like this is the limited slip diff).

I took it to the dealer today, and after having it for 3hrs they called me and told me it was ready to pick up. Well I head down there cause I couldn't get ahold of the mechanic, and when I get there he tells me nothing is wrong. Says that they looked at the rear end and test drove it. After I asked, he looked in the computer and confirmed that they also checked the wheele balance. On the invoice they stated this;

"Verified slight vibration when driving at about 45mph. There is no abnormal noise coming from rear. Road tested another liberty with same options and the other liberty does the exact same thing. Checked techconnect for any tsb's that may relate to this concern, none found. This is the normal characteristics of the jeep liberty."

I'd like to make a comment about the other libby they might have tested, I bought my KJ on July 12 and it was the last 2005 4x4 they had. I assume it's possible in that time that they might have got more, but this whole DC dealership is split between 4 lots and the lot that they told me that does recieving (the lot I got my KJ at) is a good 20miles away. So my guess is they took a 4x2 KJ that has an auto and v6 in it. That's probably as close to "same options" as they got.

What I'm wondering is this. Is this a normal sound that most people hear with their libbys? Specifically '05 Stock 4x4 libbys? Or any model years for that matter. What do those of you who have more practical experience with the mechanics of automobiles think? To me this sound doesn't sound like normal road noise, even for a truck. Now I've never had a jeep before, but I've driven in trucks and rwd vehicles that had bad rear diffs. Only the ones with bad rear diffs made any sort of vibration in the rear end. And it's not like the tread on the goodyears are that agressive to cause this noise. Besides it's only when I push the accelerator.

My biggest worry is when I find time and get the things I need together and finally do take it off road, well, I don't want it to break lol. Last thing I want is it to break and the dealer to tell me it's not covered. Also I plan to get the Frankenlift for it, but I don't want to do anything til this is resolved for similar reasons.

One nice thing the dealership did for me was pay for my rental car after I told them to ;-)

Thanks,

Justin

GregB · **Posted:** Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:22 pm

I got my 02 Limited 4x4 in March. It's got V6, auto, and trak-lock rear and I don't have that problem. I do have some strange noises at start-up. Kind of a surging sound/vibration I can feel though the pedals, but the tachometer doesn't move so I've been assuming it’s a fan noise? If anyone has a thought on this, let me know.

Again, back to the vibration at 45 mph … I really haven’t noticed that problem. Is your KJ not shifting into overdrive, or do you maybe have the overdrive button pushed? Dad once owned a :twisted:

possessed

1980's Caravan that would shake at 45 mph. Turned out to be a problem with the emergency brake.

Natasha · **Posted:** Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:27 am

I have an 05' Rene 4x4 off road package also. I do not get a vibration other than normal road noise. Is the vibration so strong that you see it in your mirrors? Did you do the road test with the mechanic? You may want to ask them to do that with you, so you can point out what you are feeling.

I have nothing like that, the only thing I noticed is that the Libby can't handle my lead foot.. I am working with her on that though.

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 12, 2005 3:32 pm

I have an 2005 Renny with the Off-Road Package, the LSD and Command-Trac. I have no vibration or noise as any speed up to 80 or so. I actually thought it was very quiet for a Truck/SUV. Mine was built in June 05.

Andy02 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 12, 2005 5:20 pm

I think your problem could be one experienced mostly on TJ's. The problem on those stems from the short rear driveshaft length causing angle issues. The cure for them is to install a slip yoke eliminator and a CV driveshaft or a transfer case lowering kit. No real way to test for the problem. If this is in fact your problem, lifting it without fixing it will make the problem worse. FYI, I have a 2005 KJ with the V6, standard tranny, and trak-lock rear with no problems. As well as a 2002 TJ with the inline six, standard tranny, and an open rear that vibrates like mad at about 40-55.

Kjenvy · **Posted:** Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:59 pm

I'd go back in to the dealer. I had a similar problem on my 99 Grand Cherokee and need pinion and axle bearings at 80K.

I also had a similar experience on my '05 Renegade with the Off raod package which includes the LSD. Bearings again in the rear axle. Mine was noticable at speed (sounded like tire noise) and rolling slowly off idle.

Dealer did a good job taking care of it. Too bad the thing only had around 3000 miles on it.

carroll952 · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2005 6:15 am

It's not a vibration strong enough to shake the mirrors or anything since it sounds like it is primarily from the rear end and isn't strong enough to shake through the whole chassis.

Way I see it, the problem either comes from the rear diff, wheel bearings, unbalanced tires or an unbalanced driveshaft.

The vibration isn't huge, but it is disturbing. It's rather hard to hear on rough road and there is plenty of that here in hawaii, however on a nice smooth surface it is rather noticable. I plan to take it to another lot of the same dealership.

Thanks for all the input,

Justin

Wahoo650 · **Posted:** Sat Sep 03, 2005 8:39 am

My 2002 Sport 4x4 does the same exact thing. I had the dealer go through it twice, never came up with anything. As you said, it's more of a sound than a strong vibe. The wife drives it much more than I do and she never noticed it. I have had tires balanced/rotated several times. I thought about drive shaft balance, but as it only happens at a steady slow RPM in high gear (around 50 mph) and only when very slightly accelerating I don't think that's it either. I'm at 40,000 miles right now with no other problems to speak of. I'll be changing tires soon, I'll pass on if that has any effect. I plan on going to 245/70-16 Revo's or BFG AT's. If you find a fix, pass it on!

PhoenixLiberty03 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 19, 2006 8:22 pm

Trying to see if others are experiencing what I'm getting on my '03 Sport 4x4. About a year and a half ago I installed the Rustys 2.5" suspension. About four or five months later started getting a bad driveline drone and vibration between 45 and about 53 MPH, then a BAD shake around 75 MPH. Dealership offered to work with me on finding the problem and dropped the transfer case (subframe) almost 1/2". That helped a lot...for almost a year. Then one day bam the noise and vibration are back again while driving to work.

Dealership says it's the lift, can find nothing wrong. Tells me to drop the subframe another 1/2". I took it to my garage and could only go another 3/8" as the stock bolts were then just barely threading. So I had a good 3/4" drop on the transfer case. No difference!

I've been persistent with the dealership, now that have their "national service representative" coming next week and he's supposed to talk with me. I'm going to load the stock springs into the back of the Jeep to let them prove their theory right about the lift kit. I don't think it's the lift, and I've done what they asked by dropping more.

Is anyone else experiencing driveline noises, vibrations or other issues between 45 and 50+ MPH when accelerating at a simple pace?

Thanks.

Bill
Phoenix, AZ

Wahoo650 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:34 pm

Just updating from my earlier post. A/T Revos and a complete alignment by the dealer 4 mos. ago and it still has the vibration right at 50mph. Have never resolved it and it doesn't appear to be affecting anything so far (48K miles). Has anyone else had any luck eliminating this?

Matt

Normal KJ sounds

Who is online