beepjeep

Lately when starting my 98 Cherokee I hear a muffled rattling sound. It's not high pitched though and is more like a fast repeated clunking noise. ("clu-clunk when it first turns over and then....clu-clu-clu-clunk-clu-clunk") It mellows out on idle but when I give it the gas it speeds up and after awhile driving it pretty much goes away. It sounds as if its coming from the passenger side but it's difficult to tell for sure. At first I thought it was the u-joints or something to do with the suspension but now I'm not so sure. I haven't been able to relate it to the engine stuttering and skipping I've experienced 5-10 min after startup either and I just replaced the TPS after the CE light tripped and that has made no difference. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated as the clunking seems to be getting worse everytime I start it up.

G_P

I had those EXACT same symptoms as you. Drove me nuts for a week or so.

Your transmission mount on the crossmember is worn out and sagging. This causes your exhaust pipe to hit the crossmember and make the noise. It is especially worse at startup as this is when the engine jerks the hardest.

Napa has the part for about 35 dollars and it takes about 45 minutes to change out.

JeepingDan

x2 exaust banging on cross member

beepjeep

Thanks alot guys! I'll try and get to that this weekend, it's starting to get cold up here in the northcountry and it's miserable working on vehicles in the cold. Do you think this is contributing at all to the sputtering spells I'm having?

beepjeep

Also, which mounting bracket is the one I need?

1. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...S_729195581___

or

2. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._1151602653___

dukie564

no no no. It's not a transmission mount. It's the exhaust hanger mount (isolator bracket) on top of the transmission crossmember.


The rubber upside down "U" shaped part

(note: pic is from a ZJ - bracket on XJ is similar)

dukie564

and it's probably a dealer only item

Wrenchguy

Sounds like the catalytic converter is broken inside and chunks are making the noise. Does it make the same noise when you shut it off too? I cut mine out and welded in a glass pack muffler, have heard it's too noisy with just straight pipe.

Good Luck