Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

What is this mystery metal vibration / buzzing noise? (see video)

Tjwrangler04

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Original poster
Joined
Dec 13, 2024
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6
Location
Australia

Hi there.

2004 manual 4.0 TJ making a mystery rattle metal on metal rattling noise at the front wheels. You can hear it in the video at around the 7 second mark.

Coming from both the front driver and passenger wheels at about 12 mph when coasting / decelerating. Also makes the noise when coasting at that speed if the engine is cut off.

Thoughts on what it could be? I’ve replaced the rotors and pads and the noise is exactly the same so can probably rule that out. I also tried removing the front drive shaft and it still made the same buzzing.

Have taken it to multiple mechanics and noone can diagnose the issue - hoping the forum may be able to help!

I’m grateful for any and all suggestions or thoughts.

Thank you!
 
Look at the thin metal shield on the back brakes and see if that is touching the brake rotor-

Also you can spray some WD-40 only axle you joints and see if that quietens it temporarily-

Only do one thing at a time
 
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Thanks for all the responses - I just pulled the driver side dust shield (see attached) and the noise is just as bad / a little worse.

Thinking U joints or perhaps hubs? I’ll take any suggestions at this point :)

Really hoping I don’t have to take it to another mechanic! :)

Cheers
IMG_4896.jpeg
 
I didn't think it had the right pitch for a dust shield. This sounds like heavier metal rattling on rotation activating when you let off the gas. Slapping sound to me.

Use a needle oiler and put a few drops on the belt tensioner pulley bearings. Just don't slobber it all over.
 
Is your exhaust factory? I've had similar sounds when the pipe was vibrating off the transfer case or rear shock.

Factory exhaust. I’ve knocked the pipe when the Jeep is at rest to see if that’s the right pitch and the exhaust looks to have decent clearance but I’ll try and eliminate it more fully as a line of enquiry.
 
I didn't think it had the right pitch for a dust shield. This sounds like heavier metal rattling on rotation activating when you let off the gas. Slapping sound to me.

Use a needle oiler and put a few drops on the belt tensioner pulley bearings. Just don't slobber it all over.

I will give this a shot. I did set up camera in another video closer to belt tensioner and it was less loud than the video closer to wheels but I’ll give your suggestion a shot either way.
 
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I will give this a shot. I did set up camera in another video closer to belt tensioner and it was less loud than the video closer to wheels but I’ll give your suggestion a shot either way.

The tone is what is alerting me to the tensioner. But as the guy says, look around for something loose. The sound is saying it is pretty stout metal, not high pitched sheet metal.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts