Fluttering/Rattling Noise at Idle
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
Fluttering/Rattling Noise at Idle
Hey everyone,
I have a '98 Cherokee Limited with 87k miles. I purchased it about a 6 weeks ago and am the third owner. It has made a fluttering/tapping noise in the cabin since I’ve driven it (see video of sound at bottom but ignore the chirping, pretty sure my distributor needs to be replaced). This sound is much more pronounced in drive while idling and loudest near the console/passenger side footwell. As soon as I leave a stop the sound disappears. It is sometimes loud enough to drown out the radio, but it’s very difficult to hear the sound from outside the cabin, even with a stethoscope.
I’ve taken it to a couple mechanics and one diagnosed it as an exhaust leak (they said they couldn’t actually find the leak) while the other suspected something was loose behind the dash while ruling out an exhaust leak.
I have checked to make sure that nothing is coming in contact with the cross member and transmission mount seems to be pretty solid. I also checked to make sure the transfer case linkage was not coming in contact with the body.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
***VIDEO LINK***
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJfF...ature=youtu.be
I have a '98 Cherokee Limited with 87k miles. I purchased it about a 6 weeks ago and am the third owner. It has made a fluttering/tapping noise in the cabin since I’ve driven it (see video of sound at bottom but ignore the chirping, pretty sure my distributor needs to be replaced). This sound is much more pronounced in drive while idling and loudest near the console/passenger side footwell. As soon as I leave a stop the sound disappears. It is sometimes loud enough to drown out the radio, but it’s very difficult to hear the sound from outside the cabin, even with a stethoscope.
I’ve taken it to a couple mechanics and one diagnosed it as an exhaust leak (they said they couldn’t actually find the leak) while the other suspected something was loose behind the dash while ruling out an exhaust leak.
I have checked to make sure that nothing is coming in contact with the cross member and transmission mount seems to be pretty solid. I also checked to make sure the transfer case linkage was not coming in contact with the body.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
***VIDEO LINK***
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJfF...ature=youtu.be
#3
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
The cross member was just sitting on the exhaust hanger - I missed it the first few times i got under the jeep. Replacing the transmission mount solved the issue.
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BruceB (05-26-2021)
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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Year: 1990
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Well, go ahead and swipe it again!! Don't lose it this time. LOL
You can always peruse my technical photos through the link in my signature.
You can always peruse my technical photos through the link in my signature.
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