Pinging clock sound behind steering column in 4Low when turning

[TheWingman]

Took my new Rubicon off road for a “newbie” Jeep owner club event to learn. Mine does the same thing making similar noises. To me it seems to be in the steering column or lower. Pinging and popping. My sound was almost like a spring popping when being stretched. The steering also very unresponsive which I attributed to the mud. The steering noise doesn’t happen in 4H or 2H. But then I’m into problem number 2 which is trying like crazy to keep it in the lane at highway speeds. Dealers told me “that’s normal”. But doesn’t sound or feel correct to me.

The turning radius decreases substantially when in 4wd. This is true for any vehicle with an engaged transfer case. As for the clicking, I'm getting used to it and it's becoming a normal sound for this Jeep. All part of it's personality.

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[Doc737]

Thanks for the info. I will try and get used to it I guess but it does sound as if something is popping or a spring is “off”. Guess I will feel better when I can find another Jeep around and hear the same sound in their steering.

 

[TheWingman]

I definitely understand, as my interest was piqued when I first heard it, as well.

 

[JeepCares]

Took my new Rubicon off road for a “newbie” Jeep owner club event to learn. Mine does the same thing making similar noises. To me it seems to be in the steering column or lower. Pinging and popping. My sound was almost like a spring popping when being stretched. The steering also very unresponsive which I attributed to the mud. The steering noise doesn’t happen in 4H or 2H. But then I’m into problem number 2 which is trying like crazy to keep it in the lane at highway speeds. Dealers told me “that’s normal”. But doesn’t sound or feel correct to me.

I definitely understand, as my interest was piqued when I first heard it, as well.

Hi Doc737 and TheWingman,
We are sorry to hear that you have been experiencing this. If you would like some additional assistance, please send us a private message!
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[chacomaya]

Add me to the list of folks who have experienced this. I am taking mine in tomorrow for an oil change and tire rotation and will mention it to the dealer. If they have anything interesting to say I will report back.

 

[JeepCares]

Add me to the list of folks who have experienced this. I am taking mine in tomorrow for an oil change and tire rotation and will mention it to the dealer. If they have anything interesting to say I will report back.

Hi chacomaya,
We are happy to hear that you are taking your Jeep in to have this concern addressed. Please send us a private message if you would like an extra layer of assistance throughout this process.
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[ChattVol]

Add me to the list of folks who have experienced this. I am taking mine in tomorrow for an oil change and tire rotation and will mention it to the dealer. If they have anything interesting to say I will report back.

My jeep also makes this electrical sounding clicking in 4wd low offroad. Did you find out what it is?

 

[Kidder212]

The reason all dealers say “it normal” is because the shop hours are paid at a very low rate from the manufacturer. Shop rates range from $100-200ish, the manufacturer my only pay $50/hr for repair only maybe not even pay for a diagnostic. So it is in the shops best interest to tell you it is normal just to have you return out of warranty so they make money on the parts and the full labor rate. Rape the customers is a more profitable business plan. I am sure if you took the Jeep in out of the warranty period and paid the shop’s full shop rate, you would be amazed at how many things they could find to repair

 

[chacomaya]

My jeep also makes this electrical sounding clicking in 4wd low offroad. Did you find out what it is?

To be honest...I totally forgot to ask.

 

[ChattVol]

The turning radius decreases substantially when in 4wd. This is true for any vehicle with an engaged transfer case. As for the clicking, I'm getting used to it and it's becoming a normal sound for this Jeep. All part of it's personality.

My jl also makes the electrical clicking sound under the steering column offroad in 4wd low. Did you find out what it is?

 

[ChattVol]

Thanks for the info. I will try and get used to it I guess but it does sound as if something is popping or a spring is “off”. Guess I will feel better when I can find another Jeep around and hear the same sound in their steering.

Any news on the cause of this clicking noise?

 

[ChattVol]

The portion of the traction control system (BLD) that clicks while in slippery terrain is not shut off in 4-low. In fact, that's when it is activated and working at its hardest. I just mentioned it as a possibility, because I get really loud clicking from the ABS motor cycling to operate BLD while offroad at times.

Is the ABS motor cycling supposed to make frequent clicking noises in 4wd low offroad? Kinda odd if true

 

[Zombie crawler]

Is the ABS motor cycling supposed to make frequent clicking noises in 4wd low offroad? Kinda odd if true

Well if the abs is cycling its going to be making a noise so if in fact that is whats happening, which I dont think thats what it is, you would hear it. Different solenoids and relays make different noises it could be whats making it. It could actually be a normal noise I noticed it in mine this weekend(first time offroad with it) but I didnt think much of it.

 

[ChattVol]

Well if the abs is cycling its going to be making a noise so if in fact that is whats happening, which I dont think thats what it is, you would hear it. Different solenoids and relays make different noises it could be whats making it. It could actually be a normal noise I noticed it in mine this weekend(first time offroad with it) but I didnt think much of it.

It sounds like a relay clicking and it does it alot offroad. I guess it's normal

 

[Zombie crawler]

Ya that was my impression too is that its some relay clicking.

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