What is this mystery metal vibration / buzzing noise? (see video)

[Tjwrangler04]

Hi there.

2004 manual 4.0 TJ making a mystery rattle metal on metal rattling noise at the front wheels. You can hear it in the video at around the 7 second mark.

Coming from both the front driver and passenger wheels at about 12 mph when coasting / decelerating. Also makes the noise when coasting at that speed if the engine is cut off.

Thoughts on what it could be? I’ve replaced the rotors and pads and the noise is exactly the same so can probably rule that out. I also tried removing the front drive shaft and it still made the same buzzing.

Have taken it to multiple mechanics and noone can diagnose the issue - hoping the forum may be able to help!

I’m grateful for any and all suggestions or thoughts.

Thank you!

 

[Chris]

Sure sounds to me like a loose dust shield.

 

[AndyG]

Look at the thin metal shield on the back brakes and see if that is touching the brake rotor-

Also you can spray some WD-40 only axle you joints and see if that quietens it temporarily-

Only do one thing at a time

 

[Illiquid]

3rd on dust shield. Bet its slightly bent and touches

 

[Tjwrangler04]

Thanks for all the responses - I just pulled the driver side dust shield (see attached) and the noise is just as bad / a little worse.

Thinking U joints or perhaps hubs? I’ll take any suggestions at this point

Really hoping I don’t have to take it to another mechanic!

Cheers

 

[DuckNut]

I didn't think it had the right pitch for a dust shield. This sounds like heavier metal rattling on rotation activating when you let off the gas. Slapping sound to me.

Use a needle oiler and put a few drops on the belt tensioner pulley bearings. Just don't slobber it all over.

 

[Camdenst]

Is your exhaust factory? I've had similar sounds when the pipe was vibrating off the transfer case or rear shock.

 

[Tjwrangler04]

Is your exhaust factory? I've had similar sounds when the pipe was vibrating off the transfer case or rear shock.

Factory exhaust. I’ve knocked the pipe when the Jeep is at rest to see if that’s the right pitch and the exhaust looks to have decent clearance but I’ll try and eliminate it more fully as a line of enquiry.

 

[Tjwrangler04]

I didn't think it had the right pitch for a dust shield. This sounds like heavier metal rattling on rotation activating when you let off the gas. Slapping sound to me.

Use a needle oiler and put a few drops on the belt tensioner pulley bearings. Just don't slobber it all over.

I will give this a shot. I did set up camera in another video closer to belt tensioner and it was less loud than the video closer to wheels but I’ll give your suggestion a shot either way.

 

[CharlesHS]

Climb underneath the Jeep and look around for loose clamps, bolts or signs of metal rubbing against another surface indicated by shiny metal.

 

[DuckNut]

I will give this a shot. I did set up camera in another video closer to belt tensioner and it was less loud than the video closer to wheels but I’ll give your suggestion a shot either way.

The tone is what is alerting me to the tensioner. But as the guy says, look around for something loose. The sound is saying it is pretty stout metal, not high pitched sheet metal.

 

[Tjwrangler04]

The tone is what is alerting me to the tensioner. But as the guy says, look around for something loose. The sound is saying it is pretty stout metal, not high pitched sheet metal.

Will do - and will keep you posted with updates

 

[Brianthewookiee]

Hi there.

2004 manual 4.0 TJ making a mystery rattle metal on metal rattling noise at the front wheels. You can hear it in the video at around the 7 second mark.

Coming from both the front driver and passenger wheels at about 12 mph when coasting / decelerating. Also makes the noise when coasting at that speed if the engine is cut off.

Thoughts on what it could be? I’ve replaced the rotors and pads and the noise is exactly the same so can probably rule that out. I also tried removing the front drive shaft and it still made the same buzzing.

Have taken it to multiple mechanics and noone can diagnose the issue - hoping the forum may be able to help!

I’m grateful for any and all suggestions or thoughts.

Thank you!

Did you ever solve this?! I swear I’m having the same damn issue! Losing my mind! Exact same noise!

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

I would remove the dust shields completely and try it again. Edit, never mind, I just read your post # 5.

Edit: If you can, put in some new Unit Bearings while you're at it.

 

[Tjwrangler04]

Hey everyone - I still haven't found the source of the buzzing but I have an inkling it's the divots in the steering knuckles causing the brake calipers/pads to rattle.

I've got the TJ booked in for a service at a different Jeep mechanic in a couple of weeks, will keep y'all posted if there's a useful update

 

[Brianthewookiee]

Hey everyone - I still haven't found the source of the buzzing but I have an inkling it's the divots in the steering knuckles causing the brake calipers/pads to rattle.

I've got the TJ booked in for a service at a different Jeep mechanic in a couple of weeks, will keep y'all posted if there's a useful update

Sounds good! I am curious!
I noticed I have the noise regardless if I use the breaks. If I use the clutch to slow down at that certain slow speed that vibration noise kicks in

 

[Brianthewookiee]

Man! I am going crazy trying to figure this out again today!
I’m almost wondering if it’s the front coil springs.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

Your problem is called: Gremlin.

Go down the list..

>Brake pads
>Brake caliper
>Brake shield
>Axle tube debris shield if you have them
>Unit bearing
>U Joint
>Ball joint(s)
>Springs
>Control Arm(s)
>Track bar and bushings
>Steering Rod(s)
>Steering dampener

Or maybe just a bad water pump bearing.

>Vibration in the air cleaner housing.... fuse box or a loose radiator mount.

All Gremlins. They will hide and only you or a good or lucky mechanic will find them.

My current Gremlin (Chipmunk) is acorns in my rock slider or frame or body on my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. I can't find them.
Take off quickly from a stop... and it's rattle rattle rattle. Or, stop quickly... and it's rattle rattle rattle as these acorns roll around inside something. I live in the forest and I know the cause is the damn chipmunks. They like to stuff acorns into any orifice that they will fit into. They are cute, and cuddly looking, but I keep a 22 rifle and pistol on the ready to smoke the little bastards.

 

[Brianthewookiee]

Hi there.

2004 manual 4.0 TJ making a mystery rattle metal on metal rattling noise at the front wheels. You can hear it in the video at around the 7 second mark.

Coming from both the front driver and passenger wheels at about 12 mph when coasting / decelerating. Also makes the noise when coasting at that speed if the engine is cut off.

Thoughts on what it could be? I’ve replaced the rotors and pads and the noise is exactly the same so can probably rule that out. I also tried removing the front drive shaft and it still made the same buzzing.

Have taken it to multiple mechanics and noone can diagnose the issue - hoping the forum may be able to help!

I’m grateful for any and all suggestions or thoughts.

Thank you!

Hey boss!
So I have this exact noise!
Today I am finding it’s the coil springs.. I’ll order new ones and replace to see if that solves!
This is the only thing that has resembled the sound.

 

[2004WranglerSE]

Looking forward to the solution to this one as I'm dealing with the same front end issue on the same vehicle (2004 manual 4.0 TJ). I would describe mine as more of a jingle rather than a rattle. The teen with better ears than mine describes it as a coin-like jingle.