TJ makes unfamiliar noise when running at idle

[Barley]

The TJ is a 2003 SE, 2.4L with 5 speed trans and 169K mileage. Recently had work done on the TJ which includes install of 1" level kit in the front, all shocks replaced, new adjustable sway bar links, new ball joints, new u-joints at front wheels, and an alignment. All work performed by same local 4x4 shop.
My TJ now makes an intermittent noise noticed while running at idle, whether in neutral or at a light with the clutch depressed. The noise sounds like a chain is running in the trans/transfer case area. The sounds are heard at regular intervals for consistent run times. It is not a sound I recall hearing before, which is why I noticed it. My TJ runs good and does not usually make such noises.
Any Ideal if this noise is really just normal behavior or a warning that another problem is on the way?

 

[macleanflood]

Well first off if you paid a shop to do the work by all means take it back and make them fix it

I don't trust any of the shops in my area and do all my own work...for better or worse.

Post a short video on YouTube of the noise and post the link here. Might help us diagnose the issue.

-Mac

 

[dbbd1]

Could it be the AC compressor cycling on and off? Turn off your ventilation controls.

Or, maybe, your throwout bearing.

 

[Barley]

Well first off if you paid a shop to do the work by all means take it back and make them fix it

I don't trust any of the shops in my area and do all my own work...for better or worse.

Post a short video on YouTube of the noise and post the link here. Might help us diagnose the issue.

-Mac

Thanks for the response. I do intend to return to the shop to give them a chance to analyze the problem. I understand the lack of trust with shops, do the work that I can on my TJ, but this shop is the main game in town since I do not have a lift or inside space with a solid floor.

I do not know if I can get a vid posted, but I will look into my capability to provide one. I "think" the noise is being made by the chain that powers the transfer case from the trans.

The noise sounds to me like that chain is active in short runs when at idle. It sounds a little like a slack timing chain with the tension pad worn out from when cars used metal timing chains versus Kevlar. It almost imitates a woodpecker pecking plastic or aluminum in short bursts, stops for what seems to be slightly longer interval, and then repeats process. I do not hear it when driving, but there is always enough other noise from sources.

 

[Barley]

Could it be the AC compressor cycling on and off? Turn off your ventilation controls.

Or, maybe, your throwout bearing.

Thanks for the reply. I ruled out the A/C, heat, or fan as they were not in use when the noise was noticed.

I have had throughout bearing problems in the past with manual trans vehicles and this is not that sound. As I research this, my focus keeps going back to the trans and transfer case.

If you think of anything else let me know.

 

[astjp2]

Pulleys are turning, so while not operating they are still turning

 

[MtPockets]

If there's crap in the a/c clutch, it could make noise when NOT in use then go away when the a/c is turned on.

Try turning the a/c on when you hear the noise.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Crawl underneath it while it's running and try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from. I had a bad rattle on one of my Jeeps that sounded like it was coming from the bellhousing. It was a bad cat.

 

[Barley]

Pulleys are turning, so while not operating they are still turning

Thanks for the thought. The sound is clearly heard while inside. It would be smart to crawl under and listen.

 

[Rickstar321]

My first guess would be the throw out bearing, especially if it gets worse when you have it in neutral and let the clutch out.

 

[Barley]

If there's crap in the a/c clutch, it could make noise when NOT in use then go away when the a/c is turned on.

Try turning the a/c on when you hear the noise.

I will give this a try.

 

[Barley]

Crawl underneath it while it's running and try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from. I had a bad rattle on one of my Jeeps that sounded like it was coming from the bellhousing. It was a bad cat.

Good idea. I probably should have done that first. Is it snowing in C-ville?

 

[Barley]

My first guess would be the throw out bearing, especially if it gets worse when you have it in neutral and let the clutch out.

Thanks for the reply. Pretty sure I can rule out that bearing. The throughout bearings that I have had go bad in the past did make a racket, but sounded different from what noise I now hear,

 

[TheBoogieman]

Good idea. I probably should have done that first. Is it snowing in C-ville?

Been snowing all morning but not accumulating on the roads.