Knock in rear with Dana 44

[JeepCares]

Update:

Put my old tires on and the sound is gone. I'm still skeptical that there is a problem with my tires because I swapped each tire out and could still hear it.

For next steps I'm guessing that I'll contact discount tires direct to make sure there isn't an issue with any of my tires. From there on I'll go the dealership route.

I just don't want them to blame the wheels and tires.

Hi luna4x4,

Please let us know via private message if you decide to have your Jeep dealer look into this. We would like to have this documented and have a case escalated in your behalf so a Case Specialist can work with your dealer to help find a potential solution.

Mark
Jeep Social Care Specialist

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[Buckleupletsgo]

I think I've been going about this all wrong. I reported a noise on my 2018, recorded that noise and provided sample audio of a good sounding 2019 but was told that the noise was normal for the design. The problem with non-specific symptoms is that they can be interpreted to be a great many things including "non-issues". It ends up being an "I said, they said" situation.

I came across the trak-loc lsd torque test in the 2018 JL service manual. The results I got were much less than the stated minimum, my wheel turned without effort. Now I feel that I have a specific customer concern to report to the dealership and that they will be able to repeat it using their own test procedure. Hoping this is the foot in the door that I need to have a bit more investigation performed.

I was going to attach the manual page but remembered terms and conditions so i'm staying inside the lines. The manual was available @ https://www.techauthority.com/

Also I don't know if it'll do any good but I've decided to let Dana know on their Contact page my experience with the M220 w/ LSD. Respectfully of course but as the an end user I'm not entirely satisfied.

Hi Lou,
What is the minimum break away force stated in the service manual?

 

[FirecrackerRedJLU]

I just read all 37 pages of this saga and am left wondering if i should drop everything and change the rear diff fluid and add friction modifier in hopes that my Jeep will be spared. My JL sport with LSD barely has 600mi on it and now I learn that it may have a serious congenital defect.

I've witnessed this before in a Sahara with the m200 rear axle under 10k miles, yes identical symptoms, and yes it got a full assembly. but I know it took some time due to a full assembly not being Avab. yet

 

[trav87]

2018 Unlimited Sport S with the Dana 44 LSD here with this very same issue. I first noticed it the morning after putting on my new 285/75/R17 tires. I can reliably reproduce the sound when coasting between 15-10MPH, and it seems to match the rotation of the driveshaft. This is really bumming me out as I have a trip planned this Wednesday and I won't be able to get it into the dealership before then.

I'm going to put my old tires on to see if the sound is still there. My first thought was that I had a bad tire, but I've checked 4 out of 5 them and the sound is still there.

Mine also started when I swapped to 285/75/17 tires...you know stock Rubicon size... I'm still running on my 3rd rear end even after a 3k mile road trip followed up by a 700 mile roadtrip. Luckily the powertrain warranty lasts longer than the bumper to bumper 36k mile warranty. Saving up for Dana 60's once the powertrain warranty is up because I have no faith that Dana or FCA will fix this by then.

 

[HiJinx69]

I have put about 3K miles with the new axle. I decided to replace the gear oil after reading about the need for friction modifier and use of 80w-90 gear oil per Jeep and noticed some clunks on occasions recently. I asked the dealer what they used when they replaced it. Service writer couldn't confirm if they put any modifier in when it was replaced. I went ahead and replaced oil with modifier this past weekend and didn't like what I saw.

A lot of gritty particles on the plug and large shavings!

 

[brewtus98]

Great! Something else to worry about now. Any indication if these are isolated to a batch of axles like early builds? I've got almost 13k on the clock now and so far so good. I've had no off-road or extreme conditions that would have stressed the limited slip very much though.

 

[Mojito]

Why am I still yelling?? SOMEBODY HAS TO!!!

It’s not just a noise it is notchy rear end. If they built them all the same.
Save your money folks if you’re not at least documenting this. Problem is they are using the same inferior parts to replace.
They haven’t said what they have done to correct the issue to make a solid rear pumpkin...
Save your money or....MANY MORE OTHERS NEED TO SCREAM!!!

 

[Mojito]

Nope, they’ve been building them the exact same since the change for the JL in 2018.
Shame is the 2020’s are now on lots with the same know issues...

 

[AlamedaJeep]

Hi Everyone,

Our teams are aware of this concern. Our executive leadership is engaged and working with the appropriate parties to have a resolution implemented as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you are experiencing a clunk/knock/thump, please make an appointment with your dealer and send us a private message. We are happy to create and escalate a case on your behalf to have additional assistance throughout the repair process.

Darlene
Jeep Social Listening Analyst

I haven't had a problem yet, but I would still appreciate a follow-up from @JeepCares regarding the above post.

It implies that FCA and maybe Dana is aware of the problem and working on a solution. Is this really the case? If so it would go a long way toward satisfactorily addressing the issue that some are having (and many of us are possibly expecting).

 

[D60]

If this is truly a CrapLok, er TracLok, I've never seen 'em do anything other than function as an open diff in the real world. How effective are these limited grips, er I mean slips in the new JL axles?

For those that DO have problems you might very well be ahead to just see if you can talk 'em into an open carrier, no clutch packs to wear there, and no fuss with a lunchbox locker later.

 

[Moto_21]

Well I had my air locker installed. I take the same hill every day and i could make the noise happen everytime i let off to coast. No noise or knock feeling anymore coming from my rear end. Not saying this will fix everyones issue, but it made mine go away. Jeep should be doing a fix like this for free like that but we all know that wont happen. Anyways just giving an update, its only been a day so ill keep listening/ feeling for it for a few weeks, but im pretty certain its gone.

 

[JeepCares]

I haven't had a problem yet, but I would still appreciate a follow-up from @JeepCares regarding the above post.

It implies that FCA and maybe Dana is aware of the problem and working on a solution. Is this really the case? If so it would go a long way toward satisfactorily addressing the issue that some are having (and many of us are possibly expecting).

Hi @AlamedaJeep,

Any vehicle that is exhibiting this concern should be taken to the dealer for the proper repair procedure. As always, you are free to contact our team via private message for support from a Jeep Wave Specialist while you are in service.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[Surfman311]

Hi @AlamedaJeep,

Any vehicle that is exhibiting this concern should be taken to the dealer for the proper repair procedure. As always, you are free to contact our team via private message for support from a Jeep Wave Specialist while you are in service.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

I took it to the dealership. Dealer says it did not make any noise with stock wheels/tires on, so they blamed my aftermarket wheels. I also sent Jeep cares a pm as you asked. I was told that because I have aftermarket wheels/tires and a 1-1.5 lift, there’s nothing you can do. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Have you even read this thread? It is obvious that there is an issue. Why has Jeep not done something to fix this? I have always been a Jeep family, but as of now, I feel that buying a new Jeep was an absolute mistake. Poor quality mechanics and the customer service, continues to make excuses instead of putting fixing poor products first! EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED.

 

[Kelowna]

Well friends it seems to be fixed. Parts finally arrived, they started Thursday morning and returned it back Friday morning early am. It is definitely gone, I just hope that it never returns. If anyone on the thread is from the Okanagan in BC and is looking for a dealership that knows what they are doing....PM me and I'll send you the dealership, tech, and advisor that have now fixed two JLU Jeep's with this clunking noise. Attached is a copy of the work order details. Good luck everyone, it was a long journey (14months) but I'm very happy now.

 

[Kelowna]

Well friends it seems to be fixed. Parts finally arrived, they started Thursday morning and returned it back Friday morning early am. It is definitely gone, I just hope that it never returns. If anyone on the thread is from the Okanagan in BC and is looking for a dealership that knows what they are doing....PM me and I'll send you the dealership, tech, and advisor that have now fixed two JLU Jeep's with this clunking noise. Attached is a copy of the work order details. Good luck everyone, it was a long journey (14months) but I'm very happy now.

So everyone is aware:
2018 JLU Sahara 3.6L w/dana44
Mopar 2.5"lift
20" Fuel Assault rims w/Duratrac 35" tires
Rear gate Brack and tire mount for 35" tires
That is all for mods
All mods done by dealership right from new, I never drove the unit stock. The noise was evident right from day 1. Stock tires were installed to test for noise at around 7k kms, it was quieter but still there and tech did ride with me and heard it.

Good luck friends!

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