Noise while turning JLUR when lockers are engaged

[azaustin]

My 2021 JLUR makes a ”crunching” noise that sounds a little like a tire rubbing (it isn’t) when turning with the lockers engaged. The noise goes away if the lockers are disengaged. It seems to be a little less when just the rear locker is engaged, and it will make the noise to a lesser extent when backing up under the same conditions. The lockers engage and disengage with no problems and the Jeep drives well with no issues when driving in a straight line. I bought the car used with 65,000 miles on it. The previous (original) owner added a Mopar 2.5” lift kit, Terraflex adjustable front control arms, and Terraflex 1.75” wheel spacers. The wheels are stock Rubicon from the factory. He also installed Falken Wildpeak LT315/7017 113/110S (12.50x35”) tires just before I bought it, and we have added about 2500 miles to the mileage since we purchased the car last November. The Jeep was very clean and obviously well taken care of when we got it, with virtually every maintenance record and accessory receipt included. There are no scratches, dents, or damage of any kind underneath the car, even though it has seven badge decals on the rear window that include Imogene, Engineer, Cinnamon, passes. I can find no evidence of any rubbing or wear on the suspension or tires. This is my third Jeep, after my 2017 JKUR, and 2021 Gladiator Rubicon diesel (both bought new) but my first used one. Any ideas as to what is making the noise? Neither of my other Rubicons made this noise.

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[Buddy Lee]

You are most likely hearing your tires scrub. Lockers, especially the front one puts a tremendous amount of stress on the axles when you try and turn while in 4 low and locked. The wheels spin and different rates when turning and when they are locked something has to give.