Excessive Driveline Slop

[JLman1959]

My wife's 2018 Wrangler JLU has a lot of slop in the driveline, acts like vehicle has 150k on it but only 38k. Have heard of some transfer case problems and incorrect lube in them so any help would be great,dealers say it's normal but I disagree.

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[D60]

Where exactly? Are you talking backlash at the rear pinion, something at the t-case, or are you finding play within the rzeppa joint?

The ring and pinion lash is measurable with a spec. The rzeppa should have zero. And the t-case....I'd be surprised if there was a spec but I guess any play would come from the planetary assy...not sure. I can't see incorrect lube causing slop in the 'case though...and t-cases are inherently forgiving of lube type/weight unless you have clutches in the "can't drive" -- er I'm sorry the AWD/auto" -- versions which might require a friction modifier (I'm honestly not sure if Jeep needs a special fluid in the can't-drive models...but worn clutches wouldn't cause slop in 2wd)

 

[JLman1959]

Where exactly? Are you talking backlash at the rear pinion, something at the t-case, or are you finding play within the rzeppa joint?

The ring and pinion lash is measurable with a spec. The rzeppa should have zero. And the t-case....I'd be surprised if there was a spec but I guess any play would come from the planetary assy...not sure. I can't see incorrect lube causing slop in the 'case though...and t-cases are inherently forgiving of lube type/weight unless you have clutches in the "can't drive" -- er I'm sorry the AWD/auto" -- versions which might require a friction modifier (I'm honestly not sure if Jeep needs a special fluid in the can't-drive models...but worn clutches wouldn't cause slop in 2wd)

Backlash... seems like transfer case has a lot of slop

 

[JLman1959]

don't know... dealer said normal nothing they found wrong.

 

[jdubya421]

In 4LO or 2HI? The tcase is gonna have some lash in 4LO that you will definitely hear. The 4:1 in the Rubi is even worse and totally normal.

 

[JLman1959]

In 4LO or 2HI? The tcase is gonna have some lash in 4LO that you will definitely hear. The 4:1 in the Rubi is even worse and totally normal.

2 wheel drive. Act like drivetrain has 100k on it.

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