Strange noise

[dtgolder]

Thoughts from other cars:

Pilot bearing for first motion shaft (sorry if some of my terminology may be Brit car based) but did have a pilot bearing issue that did that, along with possibly the release bearing/fork rattling.

Pressure plate and clutch disk also sound like possible culprits (Jag granny's had that kind of noise and it is often poorly staked rivets)

Stuff like that is often really tough to pin down

[calvinhunt]

�I am anxiously awaiting Calvin's findings upon replacing the clutch disk, but it sounds like it may be a while before he can drive his jeep again to see if that was the problem.

I have completed the installation of a new clutch disk and the re-installation of the transmission. �I test drove my Jeep today. �The strange noise is still there. �It is absolutely unchanged. �Having found the center hub of my old clutch disk loose I was so sure that I had found the problem that I waited for a new clutch disk to arrive. �However, the elusive strange noise still exists.
�
Okay, Tom, now the ball is in your court. �It's your turn to chase some wild idea. �Of course I didn't take out my tranny just to look at the clutch and associated components. �After the test drive I prepared my Jeep for winter and put it in its little garage to hibernate for winter. �I'll rejoin you in your search for the strange noise next spring.

[aboyandhisdog]

Thanks, Calvin - that's disappointing but I'm sure we can get this figured out in time.  I sure appreciate you're giving it the good ole college try.  I have replaced everything that is "brake-related" in the last couple of weeks and will drive my jeep in a few days, but we can probably rule out a brake related noise anyway.  It never seemed to be coming from the brakes.  I feel like this has now become my "Everest" and I just can't let it go.  Fortunately, I don't get a real feeling that the cause is necessarily harmful - would you concur?  More just annoying.  Keep in touch if you have any ideas or need for me to try anything.

[calvinhunt]

I don't get a real feeling that the cause is necessarily harmful - would you concur? �More just annoying. �Keep in touch if you have any ideas or need for me to try anything.

No, I don't feel that it is something that is going to let us down if we don't find it.  Like you said, it seems like it should be so easy to locate.  I can't let it go, but it will be an issue for me to take up again when the weather warms up.  You get 40 units of respect if you find it before then.

[BrianW]

Hello All,

I had a very similar noise in my 2A.  It went away after I tightened the hardware (two bolts & nuts) that attach the gas pedal to the floor.  Might be worth a try . . .

[calvinhunt]

Hello BrianW,
  Welcome to the CJ-3A Page Forum. Thanks for your suggestion.  When we find it I'm sure it's going to be something as simple as that.  However, even though my Jeep is in cold storage for the winter (hiding in it's own little garage and under a car cover) I went out and checked the two bolts you identified.  They are completely tight.  Remember, our noises do not occur when in acceleration or deceleration.  Thanks again for trying.

[aboyandhisdog]

Well, Calvin, after all this time I finally have a solution.  It didn't go away after I put in a new engine.  It didn't go away after I R&R'd my clutch.  But I just put in a new throw out bearing and carrier, and now NO NOISE!  I can't say for sure if it was the bearing or the carrier or both together but I just came in from a long drive and could not reproduce the noise at all.  So, next time you're "in there" - well, there ya go!  This assumes, of course, that we were both chasing the same noise.

[GaryM]

I had a similar noise when I first put everything together on my 3B and was driving it around without the body tub. My noise also happened in no load situations--the minute I touched the clutch pedal it would stop. It turned out that the pilot bushing was turning in the back of the engine. Pushing the clutch pedal put a load on it and stopped it turning. I installed a new bushing, which had to be hammered in, and the noise was gone. I hope this helps.

[aboyandhisdog]

That is interesting, Gary.  I forgot to add that I also replaced the flywheel bushing at the same time, so it is possible that THAT was the cause.  So I guess I can't know for sure, but we have definitely narrowed things down.  Thanks for the input.

[calvinhunt]

Well, Calvin, after all this time I finally have a solution.

Thanks for remembering me.� It has been a long time.� I have since retired and moved from the Southeast corner of the state of Utah (Blanding) to the Southwest corner of the state (Santa Clara - near St. George). My wife and I love it here but we do not have the variety of trails my previous location provided.� I have not found anyone to ride with so I don't venture out any further than I care to walk home from.� I usually only drive when grandkids come and want to ride in the Jeep or when carlsjeep comes from Kentucky.�
I certainly am still annoyed by the "Strange noise".� Since my last post I have tried so very many major things.� I am now anxious to try pressure on the clutch after the post from aboyandhisdog to see if I can get any change in the noise.
Thanks to all who have given suggetions.�

[Gunslinger]

Calvin,
Welcome back, we have missed hearing your stories of trekking the wilds of Utah.  My spouse and I were in Moab hiking with some friends this past spring, certainly understand why this area draws so many visitors, beautiful country.