Jeep Commander Help!!

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Hey everyone!

Need some help with my 06 Jeep Commander!! About 3 weeks ago it started making a popping/clicking noise from the front while turning. Did it turning left and right going forward or in reverse. I assumed it was a CV shaft. It sounded like it was coming from the driver side so on Friday I changed it out. Well, to my disappointment, it was still doing it! So, I had the wife drive it slow and turn and stuff and it then sounded like it was the passenger side, so I changed that one today and again to my disappointment....it's still doing it!

It doesn't do it while going straight or, get this, when it's been driven and warmed up! Once it's been driven for at least 10 min, you can turn and do whatever and it doesn't do it. But once it cools completely off for several hours, it's back with a vengeance!

I'm kinda at a loss here and not sure if a failing hub would do this or is the diff just plain taking a dump??? I would figure if it's the diff it would do it going straight as well.

Do the newer Jeeps have what I think I read was a viscous joint at the transfer case?? I read that the 90's Jeeps have em and when they go bad it doesn't let the drivetrain let loose as it's full time 4x4, so it'll let the axles bind up as if it's locked.

Anyways, I hope it's not the diff because that's gonna be something unaffordable at the moment And, my wife needs this as she'll be starting back to work in less than 2 weeks.

Any help is much appreciated!

 

[6pk2goDemon]

Try applying very light pressure to the brake pedal while it's making the noise to help eliminate something loose in the brakes such as caliper bolt, pad clip, etc.

 

[nothingbutdarts]

Does it have control arms locating the front diff.? A lot of my 90's Jeeps get a popping sound while turning. Bushings get loose in the control arms. I can't say if the Commander has them.

 

[jaws]

Check the front drive shaft. My Liberty has a CV joint by the transfer case.

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

All caliper bolts, etc are tight as I had to pull it all apart to put the cv shafts in. Yes it does have upper and lower control arms but when I pulled the steering knuckle loose all of the bushings are surprisingly tight for having 105,000mi on it.

Dave, I'll pull the front skid plate and check the front d/s. I have to find the axle ratio anyways.
There are a few diffs for sale on ebay for very reasonable prices. I'll probably end up purchasing one of those and doing a complete overhaul on it, then install it.....if it's not the drive shaft, lol.

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Well, pulled the front d/s and still doing it, so it's definitely in the diff

 

[1973dusterkid]

well if it stops when warm it cause by a part that gets hot that's a givin so when the metal expands of fluid gets hot it solves the problem so start with parts that get hot or the front diff like you said.

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Ok, there is an 08 Commander at the upullandpay and the diff is the right gear ratio but not sure if it has the electric locker. I do have the part number tag but can't find jack online!!

Any service tech or dealers here that can get a possible read? There are two part numbers. One is: TPLSF123810293
The other is: P52111369AF

There is a 3.73 before the P in the second part number which I know is the gear ratio. Not sure if that's needed to put before it or not when searching?

 

[1973dusterkid]

Ok, there is an 08 Commander at the upullandpay and the diff is the right gear ratio but not sure if it has the electric locker. I do have the part number tag but can't find jack online!!

Any service tech or dealers here that can get a possible read? There are two part numbers. One is: TPLSF123810293
The other is: P52111369AF

There is a 3.73 before the P in the second part number which I know is the gear ratio. Not sure if that's needed to put before it or not when searching?

could you give me the last 8 of the vin

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Thanks Dusterkid, but jus went ahead and went up to a jeep dealer. They actually helped me without trying to sell me parts or anything, lol.

He said I can use the front axle assembly and drive shaft from the 08 but obviously won't have the front locker. I'll prob run up to the yard tomorrow and pull it. Total $$$ for diff and d/s will be under $200 which beats $650 for a eBay unit.

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Well the price for the front axle assembly and d/s was surprisingly only $98 out the door from the yard. There is also an 05 Cherokee with the same diff but 3.07 gears. It may have a locker in it due to having the stronger/heavier pinion flange.

Gonna have jeep run the VIN and see. If so, I'll buy it and put the 3.73's from the other axle and have a nice cheap replacement!

Also, is there a better alternative to the dumb diff mount bushings anyone know of??? Even the ones off this 08 are completely shot and can almost pull the rubber and bolt eye through!! Heck, in 2010 when our commander was only 4yrs old they had to get replaced on warranty!! Wonder if someone makes an aftermarket urethane, or more solid rubber design that doesn't have slots through it? It's the slots that allow the rubber to tear and dry out quicker allowing it to break from the shell and get about 1/2" or more sloppy real quick.