Squeaky Rattle Noise at 35mph

[Hammer24]

Hi all - the TJ has a new noise and I can't figure out what's causing it.

It started after a weekend of wheeling but weirdly didn't actually start til I was back on the paved roads.

- It sounds like a sqeaky almost rattly noise.
- It doesn't start until I get to roughly 35mph and then after about 20 seconds will stop completely for the rest of the drive.
- It won't even make the noise if it's warmish weather
- The noise sounds like it's coming from the front end with the windows down but with them up almost sounds like it's more under or behind the floor/firewall?
- I'm not 100% sure but I think it only happens in gear... bit hard to tell though - will report back next drive.

What do the experts think? It has me stumped.

 

[TJ Jim]

Try making a video if you can catch it. It’s kinda hard to guess from your description. Heck even if you don’t catch it, it’d be great to see some of your countryside views!

 

[Dans98TJ]

I agree a video would be very helpful. Just curious though is your Jeep a manual transmission?

 

[Hammer24]

I agree a video would be very helpful. Just curious though is your Jeep a manual transmission?

Yep sorry would've been handy to mention - it is a manual yes

 

[Hammer24]

Try making a video if you can catch it. It’s kinda hard to guess from your description. Heck even if you don’t catch it, it’d be great to see some of your countryside views!

I tried recording it but the phone didnt pick much up, I'll zip tie my phone underneath it and go for a drive on the weekend if i have the chance

 

[Hammer24]

This is the best video I’ve managed to get so far, it doesn’t pick the noise up too well and visibly im struggling to drive the manual with my phone in my hand but hopefully this helps?

 

[Hammer24]

Sorry to push this, just wondering if any ideas at all - just worried it could be something causing more damage...

 

[TJ Jim]

Doesn’t sound like a rotating rub like a driveshaft or wheel bearing to me. Sounds more like a harmonic vibration from maybe the heat shield above the catalytic converter. Since it only happens at a certain speed. As a temporary fix try lodging a block of wood between the heat shield and body and see if that helps. Can’t think of any other thin metal plates except the brake shields.

 

[Hammer24]

Doesn’t sound like a rotating rub like a driveshaft or wheel bearing to me. Sounds more like a harmonic vibration from maybe the heat shield above the catalytic converter. Since it only happens at a certain speed. As a temporary fix try lodging a block of wood between the heat shield and body and see if that helps. Can’t think of any other thin metal plates except the brake shields.

I agree that it sounds more like a harmonic vibration but the temperature being such a huge factor doesn't seem to line up with that at least in my mind.

To add to that, today was a little warmer than it has been for a while here and it didn't make the noise at all...

Will still try and see if if it's the heat shield when I have time though