need help grinding noise up front
 

Hello all, first post. I have a 96 xj 4.0, aw4, np231.

I'm trying to figure out the grinding noise that I hear most every time I accelerate from a stop and only then. Even a slow start will do it. It sounds like metal on metal, last for a 3-5 seconds than stops.


I know my motor mounts are cracked and I'm wondering if the mechanical fan is hitting the radiator and causing the grinding noise. I can't remember if it did this when it was stock because i put a 3" lift on it very soon after i got it...not sure maybe the motor is at a slightly different angle pushing the fan closer to the radiator. It's all stock steering, just lift coils and springs. I didn't really see any signs of the fan hitting the radiator so I could be way off, it just really sounds like it to me....

I consider myself an intermediate novice. This is only my second xj and I was ten years younger when i had my last one and my time to wheel and work on my jeep is limited(kids) so with that being said...I appreciate everyone's input.

Anybody? Somebody with similar situation?

sorry man, no real good answer. You say even a slow start will make the same noise? Have someone walk at the front of the jeep and try to narrow down were it's coming from.

I hit a log once with my first xj in high school (haha, I know).. The log literally lifted the whole back end of my jeep 6 inches.. it was a 95 cherokee, stock. The log was clipped by the front differential and then picked me up via transfer case cross member. Thats a long story short. Anyways, same exact noise and Id bet your diagnosis is correct. Not sure how it happened but when I hit the log it moved my entire drivetrain. It broke one motor mount and the fan was rubbing.. Get some motor mounts and go from there. Id bet the problem will be fixed..

If you have a floor jack and jack stands the motor mount should be no problem. An hour job.. if you have the funds, get some stronger motor mounts.

i've had a similar issue that started up 2 days ago. i get a grinding when i accelerate from a stop. azgreenjeep, did you figure anything out?
thanks

When My motor mounts were completely bad. My fan was hitting the A/C line. If your mounts are bad you will want to fix that quickly. Your asking for alot of different problems with that.

Bad mounts is also one of the leading reasons the exhaust manifold cracks. they will also put more stress on your tranny mount and cause them to go bad early.

any good visual cues as to whether or not the motor mounts are bad?
just want to know what to look for.
i have a 97 XJ sport

The Rubber is broken or split. This is an example of bad.
Attachment 187907

hmm, they look ok

check the bolts that connect the engine to the transmission. had some problem that 2 of the bolts were really loose and got some grinding noises.