front left wheel has a rattle

[johnmoers]

I just acquired a1981 CJ7 . It's the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l stock drivetrain. When I'm driving along there is a rattle or clanking noise coming from the front left wheel. They have manual lockers. everything looks tight and I've checked the brake shield. Any ideas.

 

[Hedgehog]

More ..... more .....

- Does it make the noise when the hub is engaged or when it's free wheeling or all the time?

- Are the caliper pins in good shape?

- How are your brake pads? Have you actually taken the hub apart?

- If you did was the "C" clip on the end of the wheel drive shaft?

- Are the bearings nice and tight, you can tell this with out taking anything apart. Lift the wheel and give the wheel a shake.

- Check your front drive axle "U" joints.

- What kind of hub do you have? It does make a difference.

- Have you checked the torington bearings inside your spindles?

johnmoers - I'm only scratching the surface with these questions. Most are almost instantly answered as long as you pay attention while taking things apart. One thing to remember, working on the hub/spindle/bearings isn't difficult. It is a dirty and greasy affair though.

 

[Purple77CJ7]

Check the clips that hold the pads in the caliper. If they are missing the pads will rattle.

 

[johnmoers]

I just picked it up this past Saturday. Drove her 4 1/2 hours to get her home. The guy I got her from said he had a mechanic tighten the steering up and repackage the bearings. I jacked the wheel up, shook it, everything's tight. I pulled the wheel off, grabbed the hub and the caliper, shook them. Everything looks tight. I haven't taken the locker apart or the pads and caliper yet. I've been driving it in 2h so it clanks when I'm free wheeling. Haven't driven it much on the road in 4 wheel drive. It goes away and comes back as I'm slowing down.

 

[johnmoers]

Ok I just went out and drove it in 4h and there is no rattle. No rattle in 4L either. I drove it in 2h with the lockers locked and there is no rattle. I don't know if your supposed to have them locked in 2h. I pulled over unlocked the hubs and drove it in 2h and the rattle/ clanking comes back. So freewheeling in 2h is where I get the rattle/clanking.

 

[Torxhead]

I would check for loose pins on the front brake calipers or anything else loose on the calipers.

 

[JSTAGE]

I had a simaler problem it turned out to be a bad locking hub.

 

[Hedgehog]

Don't drive n the pavement in 4WD. That's bad for these old jeeps.

 

[Hedgehog]

You can't get around it, your going to need to pull the hubs and get dirty.

 

[hdgapeach]

My right front has a constant clack, clack, clack...... in it right now. Barely touching the brake pedal stops the clacking. Time for me to replace the front brake pads.

Learned that little quirk (on my Jeep) the last time the brake pads needed changing. For me it was caused by worn pads and slightly warped rotors that bumped the pads every rotation causing them to make the rhythmic clacking. Probably wouldn't hurt me to change the calipers either. They're as old as the Jeep!

Not saying you have the same issue with your ride, but it could be a possibility. Easy enough to check: Just lightly apply the brake pedal when you hear it and see if the noise instantly stops. And like already stated, check the pad retaining clips.

Good luck!

 

[Hedgehog]

Probably wouldn't hurt me to change the calipers either. They're as old as the Jeep!
Good luck!

In this case leave them alone. That is unless they are leaking or sticking. Calipers are tough buggers. When they are in need of attention they wil let you know.

 

[hdgapeach]

In this case leave them alone. That is unless they are leaking or sticking. Calipers are tough buggers. When they are in need of attention they wil let you know.

Fortunately, they aren't sticking or leaking (fingers crossed). 'Bout the only thing I've had to pay any attention to on 'em is to replace the clogged bleeder screws the last time I flushed the system. Even then I was able to clean out the old ones for future use if needed.

Think I'll follow your advise and leave well enough alone, for a change.....

 

[mtnwhlr]

You might do a service on the hubs to make sure everything looks ok and regrease them. I always do mine every couple years.

 

[oss]

Does it do it during braking. If it does it could be the caliper bushings. The older jeeps have Teflon bushings to silence the calipers.