Chirping noise when moving (not wind noise)

[aro]

My 3.6 has started making a slight chirping/crickets noise when in D or R. It's audible at very low speed, like 1-3 mph. (I guess at higher speed all the other normal noises drown this noise)

What can it be? Serpentine belt?


EDIT: I changed the noise description from "whistling" to "chirping", which is more like what it sounds.

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[LarryB]

Does it appear to be coming from the engine bay, underneath the vehicle or somewhere else?

 

[aro]

It comes from the front half of the vehicle. It's audible only when in D or R. If I put it in N as I roll, it stops.

 

[LarryB]

It comes from the front half of the vehicle. It's audible only when in D or R. If I put it in N as I roll, it stops.

I had one when I first got mine (it was 2 yrs old). It was related to the screws on the windshield being loose, but not at that low of a speed.

I have had some odd noises from the transmission on occasion, different than any car I had in the past, but only on a cold start. Does it go away after the vehicle is warm (so, if you drive somewhere and do a short stop, is it still repeatable?)

 

[aro]

Definitely not wind noise at 1 mph. After driving, the Jeep sat for a couple of hours in 90 degrees F, so I guess it was still kinda warm.

I'll have to check though if it makes the noise after driving it for a few minutes.

 

[aro]

Ok, I figured out the source. It's one of the front brakes...

If I put it from park in neutral, release the brake pedal and start rolling down the driveway, I can hear the chirping just as I release the brakes and it starts moving. Every time I do this there is chirping when I brake, but especially when I release and roll down. There is no chirping if I brake and release while in park.

It looks like the brake is the root cause, and the movement is what triggers the root cause to make noise.

The other thing is that it makes the noise as it starts rolling, but only for 2-3 seconds. After that it's quiet.

 

[rgtwng]

Did you ever figure out what on the brake was chirping?

 

[aro]

Did you ever figure out what on the brake was chirping?

Yeah, it's the brakes. Most likely it's the brake pistons retracting. I haven't fixed it. I posted more in the brakes section

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/any-brake-specialists.79082/

 

[Hambone92037]

Ok, I figured out the source. It's one of the front brakes...

If I put it from park in neutral, release the brake pedal and start rolling down the driveway, I can hear the chirping just as I release the brakes and it starts moving. Every time I do this there is chirping when I brake, but especially when I release and roll down. There is no chirping if I brake and release while in park.

It looks like the brake is the root cause, and the movement is what triggers the root cause to make noise.

The other thing is that it makes the noise as it starts rolling, but only for 2-3 seconds. After that it's quiet.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. My chirp / squeak is when I just starting to take off. No brakes applied. Dealer replaced brakes and rotors and it is still there. I'm heading back tomorrow. 70K vehicle.......squeaks!

 

[aro]

I ignored the noise and eventually sold the Jeep. I've been Jeep-less for over 2 years now.

 

[COBill]

If it was a MT, I'd suggest throwout bearing.

I suspect something between the engine and transmission anyway.

 

[2019JLUS]

Hey aro, that chirping/cricket noise you're hearing at low speeds could be caused by a few different things. Here are some possibilities to consider:

1. Serpentine Belt: As you mentioned, the serpentine belt could be a likely culprit. If the belt is worn, loose, or misaligned, it might make a chirping sound at low speeds. Inspecting the belt for cracks or signs of wear and ensuring it’s properly tensioned could help.
2. Pulley or Tensioner Issues: Sometimes, the pulleys or the tensioner associated with the serpentine belt can cause a chirping sound if they’re not functioning correctly. A worn-out pulley bearing could also be a source of noise.
3. Brake Components: At low speeds, the brake pads or calipers might be lightly dragging, especially if they’re new or if there’s some debris stuck in the brake components. This could cause a chirping sound when you’re just starting to move.
4. Drivetrain or Axles: Although less common, some drivetrain components or axles might cause a similar noise, particularly if there’s a lubrication issue or a minor misalignment.
5. Water Pump or Alternator: If the chirping is coming from the front of the engine, it might be related to the water pump or alternator. These components have bearings that can wear out and produce a chirping noise at low speeds.
6. Exhaust Leak: A small exhaust leak, especially near the manifold, can sometimes create a chirping or ticking sound, particularly when the engine is under light load at low speeds.

It’s a good idea to have a mechanic check it out if you’re not able to pinpoint the issue. Sometimes, a quick inspection can prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one. Hope this helps, and keep us posted on what you find!

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