Not knowing anything about this, but after reading about this front wheel drive/rear axle link, could be the sound. A few posters said that it did not make the noise in Sport mode - when the rear axle is pushing to a greater degree. So, when the rear and front are connecting and disconnecting, depending on computer estimate of what the need is, I could image some slack in this system creating a noise when the slack is taken out. Similar to when a train starts pulling cars. Could be normal, could be from tolerances less than was originally intended and is not "normal".

 

Except these independent warranty contract/insurance companies have only one incentive. "Do not pay unless they have to." They have reputations for looking at every possible maintenance that was not done perfectly so they will not have to pay.

 

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My 2 cents, my 97 was doing that several years back and I tightened the pinion nut. Never replaced the bearings, just tightened it. Just turned 220K miles

 

First post hope it helps. New to us purchase of a 2019 limited 3.2 with 49k. Had it a couple days and already have regrets. Same problem as the rest of you. The 35 mph clunk from day 1. Horrible. I found this TSB. I told them this better fix it or take it back we don’t want a clunker. Anyone else had this done?

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...81605-9999.pdf

 

I have had many cars do this that are not jeeps. i always chock it up to slack in the drivetrain

 

If it only happens when the engine and driveline is cold its just not warmed up yet.

 

The clunk is somewhat “normal” for a ZF9 transmission unfortunately. The transmission has normal friction clutches but it also has 2 “dog” clutches. Teeth that need to fit into each other to shift. You would feel it when you shift from 4-5th. You can confirm that by quickly flipping to manual to see what gear that was. Anyways, in order to make that 4-5 dog shift as smooth as possible, the transmission is programmed to drop pressure exactly at the moment the teeth try to grab. If that doesn’t happen you will get anywhere from a knock to a bang because unlike friction clutches that slip into gear the dog is an instant connection. I have no idea why they would do something like that.

You’re climbing a hill so there is a lot of line pressure shifting and then suddenly you hit that fifth gear and there’s not enough time to relieve pressure. Bang! Or if you’re coasting and then step on the gas, the programming gets confused same knocking sound. It’s bad programming and a bad design. My dealer knew it was a programming issue and performed an upgrade. It did help. But it still happens occasionally. You have to have a steady pedal for it not to happen. You can’t have a happy foot. Most important thing with these jeeps is making sure the programming is up-to-date, especially with the transmission.

 

Good morning Tico007, I trust all is well. I have this same clunk sound on my 2020 Jeep Cherokee limited 3.2 L 4wd. Any update on the clunker included with the fault and the solution? Thank you for your time.