Un-nerving front end noise (diff but maybe further back in transfer case)

[Loz]

Hi all,

New to forum and Jeeps . Loving it (2006 "Golden Eagle") however it has developed a concerning "clunck" out front - related to rpm of front wheel(s) -(and I'm not a mechanic however am able to get my head around bits and pieces with a little direction). See vid link(s) below:

Front left wheel lifted and rotated to hear clunck :

Front right wheel lifted and rotated to hear same :

Please excuse vid quality if not reasonably clear .......

Have any of the brains trust out there come across similar and if so what the diagnosis / solution may have been?

Would really appreciate input.

Thanks in advance.

Loz.

 

[macleanflood]

Do you have a lunchbox locker in that front differential?

-Mac

 

[Loz]

Do you have a lunchbox locker in that front differential?

-Mac

Not that I am aware of (however I could take front plate off and check when back in town). Not sure exactly what I'd be looking for but I'm guessing it would not be too hard to work out

 

[Loz]

Not that I am aware of (however I could take front plate off and check when back in town). Not sure exactly what I'd be looking for but I'm guessing it would not be too hard to work out

My understanding is that those lockers engaged under load? If so I do not believe that there is one installed.

 

[OHFIVETJ]

Curious ? Stick or automatic ? In gear ? or Neutral ? Or does it clunk in & gear & neutral both ?

 

[Loz]

Curious ? Stick or automatic ? In gear ? or Neutral ? Or does it clunk in & gear & neutral both ?

Hey! Stick 6 SPD 4.0. Noise both in and out of gear. Noise frequency increases as wheel rotation increases (but definitely not coming from left or right wheels). @macleanflood above was wondering if there is a lunchbox locker installed in the front diff. Short answer is that I have no idea (with both this vehicle and any knowledge of lunchbox lockers being new for me). Could an old / dodgy lunchbox result in this noise? Or what else? .

 

[Ashim]

You could disconnect the front driveshaft from the differential yoke to isolate the driveline. See if the noise changes when rotating the tires. I'd still pull off the front diff cover to inspect inside and post another video.