2004 Rubicon clutch tapping on release

RJD24

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May 23, 2026
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Reno Nevada
Hello,

I would like to thank everyone for all I have already been able to learn through browsing. However I was unable to find a thread with a similar issue that has not been resolved. I have discovered a notable knocking/tapping from my 2004 TJR with the NV3550 around the bell housing. This only occurs when I press it the clutch quickly, and only at slow speeds. Including shifting between 1st and 2nd, and the provided YT video is in Low 3rd. If I slowly release the clutch, the noise is not heard. I was told by the PO that a full clutch Job was done recently. This is my first manual ever, and I did engage the clutch a bit quickly while learning. I absolutely could have broken the clutch damper, which is my first thought, but any confirmation or other possible culprits would be greatly appreciated. The transmission is shifting as smoothly as the NV3550 likely can, I believe the throwout bearing is good.


View: %5BURL%5Dhttps://youtube.com/shorts/I--GZx9AOpA[/URL]
 
If the new clutch was installed properly, there's nothing you could have done to cause it IMO.

When I have time I can double check driveshafts, I inspected them previously and they all seemed solid to me, I replaced one U-joint in the back that had a cap seal blown, but was still solid. Do you think this could be further in the transmission or TC?
 
When I have time I can double check driveshafts, I inspected them previously and they all seemed solid to me, I replaced one U-joint in the back that had a cap seal blown, but was still solid. Do you think this could be further in the transmission or TC?

I really can't tell by the noise in the vid. Can you feel it in the pedal (vibration) when it makes the noise? Hopefully someone else on here can tell.
 
sounds like the noise i've heard a lot of manuals make when the driveline gets loaded up and quickly released. the twist in the driveline quickly unloads and bounces back and forth. I will say i've only really noticed it offroad in 4lo though.

maybe play in the springs on a cheap clutch disk? while i bet its annoying i don't know that its serious.
 
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sounds like the noise i've heard a lot of manuals make when the driveline gets loaded up and quickly released. the twist in the driveline quickly unloads and bounces back and forth. I will say i've only really noticed it offroad in 4lo though.

maybe play in the springs on a cheap clutch disk? while i bet its annoying i don't know that its serious.

Considering that it is very intermittent and as you described. It may be a regular truck rattle. It certainly does it the most when pressing the clutch in while the engine still has some power to it, and only in lower gears. It's certainly possible that the PO cheaped out, considering what I have had to fix on the suspension and the choice of parts in general.
Thanks for the input.
 
I really can't tell by the noise in the vid. Can you feel it in the pedal (vibration) when it makes the noise? Hopefully someone else on here can tell.

While driving today I noticed it very slightly in the pedal it's very intermittent and is only felt if I work to exaggerate it. Coming from Toyota and Honda cars, I'm sure these old Jeeps have noises and clicks that I am not accustomed to.
Thanks for the input.
 
It's a bit hard to hear with the wind noise and other stuff, but I do have a noise somewhat similar when changing in the lowest gears in 4-Lo with my 04 Rubicon 5 speed. It's been like that since new. Almost like a slapping sound. And it's just the drivetrain loading up and unloading under really high torque levels. However I don't have that noise in high range and never did.