HotBox

Ok so... I bought the Jeep about 4 years ago. Since then I've done a ton of work to it but one issue I can't figure out is this weird rubbing or grinding noise coming from under the center console/shift handle

Recently (3 months ago) installed MORE bombproof rubber motor mounts and a new transmission mount thinking this would alleviate the issue and it did NOT. Actually the MORE mounts turned out to be way too stiff for my liking and they'll probably be coming out soon

Not the point, this grinding noise never changed pitch with the new or old mounts, the problem stayed the same

Now here is the issue. Its loud inside the Jeep but completely silent underneath which is why this has been impossible to diagnose. The sound seems to be worse when someone is sitting in the passenger seat, but depending on the unevenness of the road underneath is happens only when at a stand still in park,, reverse, neutral or drive. Doesnt matter


I'm really hoping atleast someone could give me a place to look. I'd love to attack it but I can't hear it under the Jeep, absolutely maddening!

tech

Have you looked at the exhaust that runs under the passenger seat ?

HotBox

last year I added an entire new exhaust system from upper cats to the muffler. Everything is solid and barley moves even if you kick it, completely solid

tech

But is it touching anything ?

HotBox

No sir. I can confirm it is not rubbing anything. The only thing I can say is it sounds like it's coming from above the transmission but under the transmission hump inside inside Jeep.

tech

It sounds like something is touching the under side side of the floor , or maybe the trans cross member is loose ? or maybe a heat shield , or the seat ? just tring to give you some ideas

lawsoncl

Does it go away if you grab the xfer case lever? The linkage on mine has a high pitched squeak/chirping and goes away for a while if I shot some white grease in the pivot.

HotBox

Actually this was something I tried early on for diagnosis since it happened in my LJ. In fact, somehow the lever in my XJ is smoother than my LJ ever was and has zero play in it. the sound I have is a distinct vibration type metal rubbing sound

HotBox

I agree with that. The cross member is definitely on tight, and to be sure I walked out before posting this reply to ensure that. Heat shield is in good shape and doesn't move.

About the seat. I believe the front drivers seat bracket is broken because it makes an annoying clicking sound from time to time if I rock hard enough back and forth. Its a crappy issue but I've looked into fixing that.

This rubbing noise seems to be coming from the front drivers feet/shifter area if you put your ear to the carpet. I'm totally willing to hear any and every last bit of advice for this, I'm not a dope and feel confident that I can fix an issue if I find one, but for the life of me can't get to the bottom of this