Rattle or grinding over 20 MPH

Rowbaretow

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Nov 3, 2024
Messages
6
Location
Oregon
I have a 1999 2.5l TJ. I cannot pin point what caused this to start, I hit a big rain puddle at one point, then another day I think I hit something on the road and heard a light sound from the bottom right of the jeep. Then shortly after all this I started hearing a very faint rattling noise at the front end only when going faster than 20mph. It was so faint I thought maybe I was hearing things. The following day on my way to work the sound got drastically louder and now is super noticeable. I found out my rotors were trash, took it to les Schwab and they replaced rotors and pads and inspected the calipers. The sound persisted. They said they could not pin point it but it is not wheel bearing or u joints or suspension.

Again it only starts after 20mph and does not really get any louder as I drive, it is consistent. Here is a video of the sound. You have to listen past the exhaust leak sound I have and it’s almost like a grinding or a marble in a jar rattling noise.

 
Here is another video where I am able to cut the acceleration and you can hear it better at 30 and notice it drops off once I go under 20 mph.

 
Ok so I engaged 4wd and man I got some bad noises. Here is a video. I’m thinking from here it has to be drive shaft or front differential. Can anyone confirm?

 
Thanks for the help everyone. I disconnected my front drive shaft from the front differential and the sound is gone. Took the shaft entirely out and engaging 4wd there is no sound. So it’s the shaft/U-Joints. I plan to order a heavy duty front drive shaft now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: macleanflood