[joetexas]

I bought a 2009 SRT about 1 year ago with 20k miles. It now has about 31k miles and very basic mods (that I put on). Since purchase, I have had the below items repaired/replaced under warranty (thankfully-I wouldn't own one of these things w/o a warranty):
-Starter
-Transfer Case
-Tranny Valve Boby
-Valve Cover Gasket

Now to the point of my thread: About 2 months ago, I noticed a strange rattle coming from what sounded like the drive line. It sounds like a 1980 beater with 200k miles when lightly braking to a stop from 30+ mph (a bad knocking/popping/rattle). My tech tried to track down the source and in the process rebuilt the front and rear suspension. This did not do the trick. After more searching, he came up with the conclusion that it was the drive shaft/U-joint. He also mentioned that the U-joint cannot be replaced without replacing the entire drive shaft. The next piece of bad news was that there are 60+ drive shafts on back order from Chrylser in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area alone, with no expected ship date.

I guess my questions are the following:
Can the U-joint be replaced without replacing the entire drive shaft?
If not, where can I find a OEM drive shaft?
Is there a customer assurance hot line or contact for Jeep?

Happy New Years!

 

[BJB]

Could this be your problem??

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59952

 

[Knuckles]

Well I had my Rear driveshaft just replaced in late October, but I had it ordered in mid July because of the shortage of these parts to make them.... Sounds to me like you will.have to wait for the stock 1300.00 drive shaft or have a custom one made, which will also take months to make.. I have a custom DOM Steel driveshaft for my Jeep and it was very difficult to get the flanges to even make the driveshaft... Once I was able to get them I had my shop measure up my Jeep and they make me a nice Driveshaft with replaceable U joints.... This was a pricey shaft due to me buy parts to make from places not even in this state.. If your tech removed the drive shaft and those U joints do not move up and down or left to right smoothly then they are shot and the driveshaft has to be replaced... Also because of the custom flange that mates with the NV146 transfercase no shop will be able to see if your current driveshaft is balanced....

Good luck man!

Good Luck man...

 

[joetexas]

Could this be your problem??

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59952

I don't think so. These were replaced preventatively by my tech at 25k. What I notice is more of a rattle form 10 mph to 0, when slowly coming to a stop from 30+. A U-joint makes sense...sort of, but the wait for the part is ridiculous. At this point I just want it fixed and to be able to drive it for more than a month before having to take it back in for something else.

 

[Knuckles]

I don't think so. These were replaced preventatively by my tech at 25k. What I notice is more of a rattle form 10 mph to 0, when slowly coming to a stop from 30+. A U-joint makes sense...sort of, but the wait for the part is ridiculous. At this point I just want it fixed and to be able to drive it for more than a month before having to take it back in for something else.

Look on EBay for a used one with not many miles on it...

 

[Blkoutsrt8]

Maybe try going out of state to a different dealer to get ur front drive shaft quicker....when mine went in October it took over night to receive a new one

 

[joetexas]

Maybe try going out of state to a different dealer to get ur front drive shaft quicker....when mine went in October it took over night to receive a new one

I am in process of doing this, good idea. The local dealer quoted a ship date of feb 17th. In case anyone cares,it is the rear driveshaft that is on order though at this point I am doubtful this will fix the problem....the noise does not sound rotational. Though I will gladly take a new driveshaft under warranty, I just want the noise to go away.

I figured out that if I drive at 17-18 mph on a level surface, no brake or gas,the noise is almost constant. Sounds like a rattle coming from just below the gear shifter. Any ideas, anyone?

 

[LoudPedal]

Can you post a sound clip or vid of it Joe?

 

[ASLEEPER]

I've got an '09 as well. When coasting to a stop, I get a light clunking/grinding noise in the rear as though there's some slop in the drivetrain. Not sure if that describes your problem.

 

[joetexas]

I've got an '09 as well. When coasting to a stop, I get a light clunking/grinding noise in the rear as though there's some slop in tbe drivetrain. Not sure if that describes your problem.

Yes sir. Fairly accurate in my opinion. I tried to record it but my iPhone wouldn't pick it up. Any idea what the cause might be? I've been in and out of the dealership for 4 months. I keep getting new parts but the problem persists. I just want it gone.

 

[LoudPedal]

Mine had a similar noise at 38K miles...clunking on decel and a slight howl. Turned out the backlash was set wrong from the factory and ended up damaging bearings in the ring and pinion. Had it replaced under warranty and all is good.

GL

 

[joetexas]

Still waiting for driveshaft to come in. Was given a ship date of 2-17 (expected) from order date of mid Dec. personally not sold on the idea it will fix the problem, but gotta try. Love this thing. will update post.

 

[WIPLASH]

It could be a exhaust rattle. Check the midpipes and the cats.

 

[joetexas]

It could be a exhaust rattle. Check the midpipes and the cats.

Those have also been inspected, one replaced. Didn't change anything. Thanks for the idea though.

 

[ztothej]

Ill bet you money its your rear end, TRUST me when I say mine did the SAME thing.

The problem is extra slash in the rearend is confusing the Trasfer Case.

Another way to test it (what worked for me) is the next time it rains, from a stop give the jeep about 40% throttle. When I did that I got rear tire spin for what felt like 3/4 to a full turn and the BANG it would go.

Ortherwise it would just make some very odd rattle banging soft sonds at 35 with no throttle and slowing down.

Again that sound to me sounds like the T-case trying to figure out if the rear is slipping and also the sound is the rearend being loose.

 

[iluvboobs]

Same problem here. I still haven't had mine successfully fixed. Z did you just take it back to the dealership and have the lash measured and fixed? or some other shop. That might be my next step.

 

[joetexas]

So I called Chrysler and got moved from #22 on the drive shaft back order list to # 1 (that's what they told me anyway). Still took two months to get one. Dealer installed it and whoala, it did absolutely nothing to fix the clunking/popping noise when coming to a stop. Decided to try another dealership in Lewisville. Two days later I get a call and apparently my backlash was all messed up and they think this is what's causing the noise. In process of replacing the rear diff under warranty. Will update once jeep is returned (fingers crossed).

 

[joetexas]

Picked up jeep today with new rear diff components installed. Drove around all day and HALLE-FRICKN-LUIAH, the noise is gone!!! Six months and three dealerships later, Lewisville Jeep seems to have fixed the problem. I want to also add that Lewisville jeep looked at it once and diagnosed the issue in one day (apparently diagnosed correctly). Though I am not complaining about all the free goodies I got under warranty while other dealers were trying to fix the problem (long list of drive line components), heck Grapevine jeep even told me the noise was normal (thanks...a$$), I am greatly relieved the problem appears to be fixed. Consider this a preliminary update as my past experiences with jeep service leaves me hesitant to say 100% fixed. I will be road tripping to Houston this weekend and will let this be the final exam.

In the mean time, if you are located in the north Texas area and need accurate, friendly, expert service. Call Don at Lewisville jeep.....seriously.

Also, thanks to ZJ who called this diagnosis a while back! I am I love with my jeep all over again. Time for more mods