Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

From one noise to another

D

drdfblackm

Member
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2025
Messages
44
Location
Flagstaff AZ
Well here we are, a new year and more TJ noise....not good noise. So previous owner did not have the front cats right at all....I did not like the design on the ones that were on there and buddy had a set of AFE so installed on mine and great....Jeep runs good. Also had some squeeling noise....so I was like this TJ need maintenance so I replaced the idler pulley, tensioner and belt among other things. Got the soft top mostly repaired...all the pivot knuckles were broken, everything buttoned up and I was like let's go for a little test drive.

No sooner than I get into second gear the squeeling is back.....gets louder the faster I go....not engine dependent of course. Now...I would guess wheel/hub bearing but it is a loud squeel not a groan or roar. I don't have a clue what to look at or for. Everything looked pretty dry when I was under it...no leaks that I could see. I did see in research that it could be drive shafts, but I am not sure what kind of noise that would be. Kind of at a loss. Thoughts?
 
Last edited:
drdfblackm said:
Well here we are, a new year and more TJ noise....not good noise. So previous owner did not have the front cats right at all....I did not like the design on the ones that were on there and buddy had a set of AFE so installed on mine and great....Jeep runs good. Also had some squeeling noise....so I was like this TJ need maintenance so I replaced the idler pulley, tensioner and belt among other things. Got the soft top mostly repaired...all the pivot knuckles were broken, everything buttoned up and I was like let's go for a little test drive.

No sooner than I get into second gear the squeeling is back.....gets louder the faster I go....not engine dependent of course. Now...I would guess wheel/hub bearing but it is a loud squeel not a groan or roar. I don't have a clue what to look at or for. Everything looked pretty dry when I was under it...no leaks that I could see. I did see in research that it could be drive shafts, but I am not sure what kind of noise that would be. Kind of at a loss. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Your profile isn't filled out, what year is your TJ? The 2005/2006 years are known for opda failures which can squeal? It might help if you can record the noise and post a link to see if we can help.
 
I use my GoPros to help diagnose noises. Might want to put the Jeep up on four jack stands and pop it in gear and listen from the outside.


-Mac
 
That's a good idea....however the noise comes on in second gear once you get up to 15 to 20 mph.

I know need to do more detective work....just figure I would post up and ask if there is anyone that had a similar noise. It is metal on metal. I did not see anything that stood out under....I really thought this was a pulley when I first got the TJ but clearly it is not.

I just want to drive the damn thing. Oh well learning as I go.
 
Fill in your Jeep info on you profile.

Drop the front shaft, drive it and see if the noise is gone.

If it's the centering ball on it, you don't want it to seize and destroy the tcase.

If you still have noise, put the front shaft back in and drop the rear one. Put it in 4WD, drive it and see if the noise is gone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: drdfblackm
Well maybe I should replace the ujoints while I am there....why not.....Spicer...correct??

Can someone point me to some greasable ujoints for the 30 and 35. I'm not cool enough to have 40s or bigger.
 
Last edited:
Jerry Bransford

Thread 'What u-joints come on the TJ?'

There are actually seven u-joints on our TJs, two on the axle shafts and five on the front / rear driveshafts.

Two front axle shaft u-joints:
The factory u-joint on standard (non Rubicon models) is a Spicer 5-297. A highly recommended upgrade is the Spicer 5-760x u-joint which was specially designed for the Rubicon at Jeep's request.

Driveshaft u-joints:
The stock driveshaft u-joints are Spicer 1310. There are three u-joints up front and two in the rear. A highly recommended upgrade is the Spicer 5-1310x which is sealed, as well as a stronger and...
  • Like
 
  • Like
Reactions: drdfblackm
macleanflood said:
Jerry Bransford

Thread 'What u-joints come on the TJ?'

There are actually seven u-joints on our TJs, two on the axle shafts and five on the front / rear driveshafts.

Two front axle shaft u-joints:
The factory u-joint on standard (non Rubicon models) is a Spicer 5-297. A highly recommended upgrade is the Spicer 5-760x u-joint which was specially designed for the Rubicon at Jeep's request.

Driveshaft u-joints:
The stock driveshaft u-joints are Spicer 1310. There are three u-joints up front and two in the rear. A highly recommended upgrade is the Spicer 5-1310x which is sealed, as well as a stronger and...
  • Like
Click to expand...

I can say this about you Mac....there are plenty of people out there that either will just ignore peoples questions or will be a jerk and say have you searched or something snotty like that.....you are such a great member of this forum.....you actually take the time to answer questions or point to where they have been answered.....many people should take note....this is what forums are for....knowledge and help.

I just wanted to say Thank You!
 
  • Like
Reactions: macleanflood
Ok....took the advice and put it on jack stands. It is in the front for sure. Since I'm by myself hard to pinpoint where it is. But for sure in the front. I suppose if there are no comments I will pull the front drive shaft but I figured I would see what you all think.

 
  • Like
Reactions: macleanflood
So just help me understand as I'm thinking about this. If I pull the front driveshaft, won't that just prove it's in the front but won't actually tell me where it is coming from? I'm trying to narrow down more accurately where it is coming from. I mean we already know it's the front because it doesn't make the noise in 2wd. So taking the front drive shaft out won't tell me u joint, cardan or axles. I'm just trying to understand.
 
If you drop the shaft and drive it around it will eliminate the front axle if it's quiet.

On the stands, drop it, inspect the DC centering ball for roughness, verify the noise is gone.

If the centering ball installed was greaseable, and never greased, that could explain the short life.
 
U joints are shot. Appears to be originals. Nothing moves smoothly. Before I start upgrading everything I want it to run and drive smoothly. So just going to replace all of it to start.
1844.jpg


1845.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: macleanflood, TheBoogieman and JKP

Similar threads

Intimnasc
Transfer Case Noises
Replies
2
Views
263
TJ General Discussion
Intimnasc
Intimnasc
TJMexico
Help me troubleshoot this noise
Replies
8
Views
1,277
TJ General Discussion
TJMexico
TJMexico
Rcroane
Knocking sound from rear when braking (can't figure it out)
Replies
4
Views
436
TJ General Discussion
TJ Jim
TJ Jim
MountaineerTom
Power steering pump issue?
Replies
4
Views
1,034
TJ General Discussion
MountaineerTom
MountaineerTom
MountaineerTom
Can’t narrow down squeaking sound
Replies
28
Views
2,110
TJ General Discussion
MountaineerTom
MountaineerTom
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts
Top Bottom