Transfer case rattle while coasting in 4L

[Jeremynolan94]

I've been camping out in Anza Borrego the past few weekends in my 2022 Willys Sport 6spd. I've got roughly 1,800 miles on it so far and everything has been awesome. It's my first Jeep and I've always got a big stupid smile on my face while driving it.

I've noticed quite a bit of rattling coming from the transfer case when in 4L, particularly when in neutral or when the clutch is disengaged and coasting. The sound goes away when in gear and while in 4H and 2H. It was most noticeable yesterday coming down Oriflamme Canyon on some of the chunkier sections of road. I wasn't able to record the sound, but it sounded somewhat like a chain rattling around. Everything shifts smoothly between 2H, 4H, and 4L and seems to be operating as-expected so I want to attribute it to it just being a more truck-like drivetrain or "just a Jeep thing." Any input is greatly appreciated!

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[chevymitchell]

I've been camping out in Anza Borrego the past few weekends in my 2022 Willys Sport 6spd. I've got roughly 1,800 miles on it so far and everything has been awesome. It's my first Jeep and I've always got a big stupid smile on my face while driving it.

I've noticed quite a bit of rattling coming from the transfer case when in 4L, particularly when in neutral or when the clutch is disengaged and coasting. The sound goes away when in gear and while in 4H and 2H. It was most noticeable yesterday coming down Oriflamme Canyon on some of the chunkier sections of road. I wasn't able to record the sound, but it sounded somewhat like a chain rattling around. Everything shifts smoothly between 2H, 4H, and 4L and seems to be operating as-expected so I want to attribute it to it just being a more truck-like drivetrain or "just a Jeep thing." Any input is greatly appreciated!

This is normal. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Reinen]

This might help to understand.

When you're in 4WD the rotation of one front tire will be locked with the rotation of one rear tire. This is what causes the binding when turning on pavement in 4WD. Just coasting over uneven terrain will put stresses on the drivetrain as tires will want to rotate ever so slightly faster or slower due to the terrain. It will be more noticeable in 4WD LOW. The sound you're hearing is very likely slightly different tire rotation speeds putting changing stresses on the transfer case. Especially since the rougher the terrain the more you notice it.

It's normal and your Jeep is designed to handle that.

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