4.0 rattle behind oil pan. Please help.
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 11
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From: CT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
4.0 rattle behind oil pan. Please help.
Hey guys. My 98 xj has had a rattle noise for about a month now. It started off just under load so I assumed it was the transfer case which also needs a rebuild. Now it does it at idle too so I crawled under it today and pinpointed it to the oil pan. I can actually feel it while touching the pan. I know I have to drop the pan asap and check it out but wanted to see if anyone had any ideas first. Thanks
also the oil is clean and it sounds great while driving. Plenty of power too. Here’s a video. It starts off in park then into drive.
also the oil is clean and it sounds great while driving. Plenty of power too. Here’s a video. It starts off in park then into drive.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 338
From: PA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
That does not sound good, whatever it is. I say pull the pan and see grab a flashlight. Pulling the pan is often easier said than done tho, unless its been lifted.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4,365
Likes: 1,215
Year: 1989
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: 4.0
Before you get messy pulling the pan, remove the inspection cover on the front of the bell housing and check the torque converter bolts. They can get loose and start making lots of noise. Also look up towards the crank and make sure the flex plate doesn't have any cracks.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Before you get messy pulling the pan, remove the inspection cover on the front of the bell housing and check the torque converter bolts. They can get loose and start making lots of noise. Also look up towards the crank and make sure the flex plate doesn't have any cracks.
This^^
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...ocking-125547/
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: CT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I actually just pulled the inspection cover yesterday hoping the same and found nothing. I also ran it with the cover off and confirmed it’s in the oil pan area. Im gonna drop the pan tomorrow and hope for the best. Im lifted 5” so it shouldn’t be too bad. I’ll kee you guys posted and thanks for the responses.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: CT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Problem solved! Before I started dropping the pan I decided to run it without the serpentine belt for a few seconds to rule out engine components and the noise was gone. Then I tracked it down to very very loose alternator bolts sending vibrations down the oil pan. Few. Now I can continue with the build.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Problem solved! Before I started dropping the pan I decided to run it without the serpentine belt for a few seconds to rule out engine components and the noise was gone. Then I tracked it down to very very loose alternator bolts sending vibrations down the oil pan. Few. Now I can continue with the build.
Nice find!!! I advocate the use of this for isolating noises. Less than $5 at Hobo Freight.
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CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 238
From: Groton, MA
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Problem solved! Before I started dropping the pan I decided to run it without the serpentine belt for a few seconds to rule out engine components and the noise was gone. Then I tracked it down to very very loose alternator bolts sending vibrations down the oil pan. Few. Now I can continue with the build.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 349
From: District of Columbia
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
True story. She is quite a helper at 7 years old now and her little sister is 3. Garage monkeys.
My granddaughters.
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