Weird Noise From Transmission Torque Converter

Hello, again a question from Hungary with a request for help. A year ago complete converter renewal with automatic transmission renewal. Overhaul Master Kit.
Since one month very sporadically a speed-dependent noise between converter and engine outlet - where the black rubber sleeve sits (Output Seal?) . And only when it is very hot. What can this be? I suspect that some sheet metal is dragging or bending under heat. No vibrations in the converter housing or in the transmission to feel. The transmission shifts normally.
no loss of oil, ATF or water.

Is it possible that this plate is somehow rubbing against the motor shaft? If the bearing is broken, it should be making noise all the time, right?

There is also an audio recording.
Many many thanks for help. I am completely at a loss.

Thanks hear, you have already helped me a lot. I will remove the inspection plate today - that's only 3 bolts. I have an unconventional suggestion - but Jeep drivers are actually always unconventional. Can I cut off the upper end of the plate ?? - then nothing should drag or be in the way.


Has anyone done this before? Is there a document somewhere on how to properly install this plate ? I have been driving my Jeep for 25 years - but learn something new every day. And my garage has no idea at all. hydraulic lifters ? Are already a little worn but the hammering of the hydros should be felt at the cylinder head, right? ... and if then all time

Can you give me some help on how to find the rear crankshaft main seal at rockauto?
rubber sleeve: - Maybe that?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=2185150&cc=1431777&pt=5604&jsn=494
I found a similar problem on a Classic forum: Maybe that's what's wrong with my Jeep too.
"Yeah it turned out to be the cover plate, i unbolted it and pulled it off and noticed it had a small dent going towards the flexplate with scrape marks on it. I flattened it out, bolted it back on and started it and the noise was gone."
https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/loud-noise-from-torque-converter-area.327982/
For me this is the best Jeep Wrangler forum in the world. Without you I would have had to scrap my Jeep a long time ago.

Does it make sense to install a spacer under the bolts from the inspection plate ? 3 mm washer?
Thanks Jerry for like my post !

Many thanks Rickyd. Tomorrow is time for the inspection plate. I give a report. I hope the flexplate is not broken - but we will see. Best Regards, Edgar

I think I found one problem (one of them, anyway....). The edge of the inspection plate is bent over and looks like it was hit by an engine hammer. The edge is all frayed.
Should I bend that back or just cut it out?

No, but now I have another weird noise... I will make a short inspection this evening and some audio recordings and I post it.

Now I know where the weird noise comes from. The dust cover shield (not the inspection plate) in front of the flexplate is totally bent and the bolts from the flexplate/flywheel are hitting the cover shield. My question: I can't bend it back. Can I remove the dust cover without taking the whole transmission out? The starter motor must go - Can I then pull the whole dustcover down?
Or cut out the bent part?

Hello Rickyd, That's exactly what I tried, but the plate keeps bending back. where can buy a spare part? at Rockauto I have not found a Dust Cover. - 1999 4.liter Jeep TJ Sahara, automatic transmission. I need a part number,
I think I have the same dustcover as the user U8MYDZT .
bolts hinting the flexplate