OK so i been hearing this rattling noise coming from my xj for a while and it sounds like its coming from the bottom end maybe between the block and tranny which leads me to believe that it may be the infamous converter bolt/flexplate problem. what exactly need to be done to check to see if these bolts need to be tightened or not? do i need to pull the tranny or what? im really hoping that this noise is loose bolts and not something in the motor. it sounds more like something being loose than a rod bearing knock or piston slap so ill keep my fingers crossed. any help is appreciated

 

No need to pull the trans. Remove that 1/4 moon shaped cover at the bottom where the engine and trans meet. Shine a light up there and you'll see 4 bolts holding the flexplate to the torque converter.

 

I didnt think you could see all four bolts w/o turning the engine, maybe you can...pretty sure to tighten any, you'll have to rotate the engine to put a wrench on each bolt. Use breaker bar and big socket on the damper bolt.

 

DO NOT FORGET to put LocTite #242 on the screws! Came with it from the factory, and it's there for a reason.

If you have to replace the screws, get them from the dealer. Hardware stores won't usually have them - they're M10-1.5x15m/m "place bolts," and the typical capscrew at the hardware store won't take shear loading (besides, 15m/m is a special length for M10, they usually start around 25-30m/m...)

 

I wish you the best of luck. Same noise, same symptoms. Checked the bolts, tight as can be. Guess the tranny is getting pulled this summer!

 

Thanks guys..yeah im hopefully gonna be able to look at it tomorrow and praying its the problem..I really don't think its in the motor

 

My be a cracked flex plate. You can check for that with a long pry bar. Wedge it between the motor n flex plate. Just a guess.