front axle chatter

[lockedupLJ]

Specs on Jeep:

2006 Jeep Commander Limited, 5.7 HEMI, Quadradrive II, stock suspension, 255/65/17 Hancook Dynapro AT/M's.

Problem. When turning left or right the front end chatter's and binds like it is locked in low range. I have changed the front diff fluid with Royal Purple 75-140, plus added a bottle of friction modifier. It stopped making any noise for 2 whole whopping days. So, wife and jump in it to go eat last night and it the noise and binding feeling is back.

I searched through Google and the search feature within this forum, and could not really find the answer I needed, sorry if it has been covered already, but I need help with this. This is her daily driver and with 3 kids in it everyday I want it to be 100%.

I am not dumb to 4 wheel drive systems, I own a full tube buggy with a 60 and 14 bolt, stroked chevrolet smallblock, etc. But these newer vehicles are way more complicated than a king pin axle and gear driven T-Case.

[rjhj]

I've mostly read people saying the best route for diff fluid is the stock recommendations. I did mine about 6 months ago and haven't had a problem.


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[jeep5253]

It could be your traction control. If you are out of alignment by certain parameters the TC will activate. The sensors are in the wheel wells.

[lockedupLJ]

Originally Posted by jeep5253

It could be your traction control. If you are out of alignment by certain parameters the TC will activate. The sensors are in the wheel wells.

I just put new tires on it, and checked the alignment at the same time, it is perfect. Dead on. All tires are aired to exact same pressures, etc. I dunno, this is really bugging me. I am going to the local stealership tomorrow, and will pick up new fluid, AGAIN... Ugh.

[jeep5253]

Originally Posted by lockedupLJ

I just put new tires on it, and checked the alignment at the same time, it is perfect. Dead on. All tires are aired to exact same pressures, etc. I dunno, this is really bugging me. I am going to the local stealership tomorrow, and will pick up new fluid, AGAIN... Ugh.

Did it do it before you put the new tires on ?

[lockedupLJ]

Yes sir it did. I had multiple folks tell me it was the viscous coupler in the T-Case, so I went to order one and the QDII doesn't have it. They changed it to a clutching setup/system to replace the problematic coupler. Sooooo, that ruled that out, I changed the fluid and it went away for 2 days, then as soon as the temperature dropped outside again it started doing it again. I drained it again today, replaced with fresh MOPAR synthetic fluid, and a bottle of friction modifier. Now there is no chatter/binding again, so we will see how long it takes to come back. I just dont want to be constantly changing the fluid obviously so I am hoping and praying this cures the problem, if not, I will start looking into replacing the LSD in the front diff.

By the way, the Jeep has 121,xxx miles on it, and this the ONLY problem we have had out of it since day 1 when it was brand new. Has been a really great and dependable family hauler, just wish Jeep would pull their head out of their your know what and build another 3rd row seat vehicle. We would definitely buy another. Oh well, maybe one day.

[jeep5253]

Originally Posted by lockedupLJ

Has been a really great and dependable family hauler, just wish Jeep would pull their head out of their your know what and build another 3rd row seat vehicle. We would definitely buy another. Oh well, maybe one day.

Supposedly there will be a new Grand Wagoneer next year.

[GBR9017]

Im really interested in how this turns out for you. I have what sounds like the same problem. I too changed my front diff fluid, only it didn't help. If you come across any further development please post.