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Rearend or rear suspension clunk/creak

128K views 404 replies 76 participants last post by  Mongo53 
#1 ·
Hi everyone, new owner here. Bought my wife a '11 JGC Overland on 7/30 and we are experiencing a clunk/creak coming from the rear end. When driving the vehicle we can hear a distinct creaking/clunk over uneven roads or bumps. I know it's definitely coming from the rear since I had my wife drive while I sat in the back cargo area. I even went so far as to pop the back glass during one of the drives when back there and it was that much more apparent when I hung my head out the back. It seems more like a clunk when driving but a little more like a creak when backing out of the driveway. I believe it's a suspension related issue since it happens when there is some type of articulation of the suspension. It could be something loose but I got under the back end tonight and could not find a visible culprit. The only other thing I can think of is something with the e-brake since we do use it daily as our driveway is on a medium grade hill. I make sure when she parks it that she puts it in Neutral with her foot on the brake, put the e-brake on then let it take up the slack, then put it in park (that way not letting the transmission do the work). Those are my thoughts, any others?

Here are two possible TSBs but our build date was 05 - 2011 so I don't know if these apply...
http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_1700211.pdf
http://wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_1700310.pdf

Thanks
 
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#287 ·
This will be 4th, or is it 5th time now for the rear shocks on my 2011? I lost count. Ugh......


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#314 ·
Went to the dealer today and got my parts guy to order 2 Bracket Kits - Shock Mounting. 68252113AA as per the latest TSB

He said the warehouse showed none in stock and he didn't know how long it would take, but he put in my order and we'll see how long this takes.

I think he said they were worth $38 each CND $
Update:

So it took about aprox 3+ weeks to get both shock mount kits in.

Took in in today.

Once the tech had both shocks removed and before he installed the new shock mounts,
I grabbed ahold of each shock, one had normal movement and the other one had no movement at all.
Exactly like in the video I posted of the original shocks that were replaced.
(video, page 15 of this thread if your interested)

So we decided to installed the new mount kit on the one good shock only and order in one new shock to replace the bad one.
We'll replace the other mount kit once the new shock comes in and if its mount is not updated yet.

So if your JGC feels like the back end gets a little skittish going over some bumps and or small bumps feel like your driving over cinder blocks (Icetech quote). You may have the same problem, so if your heading in to have your rear shock mounts replaced, ask your tech to check those shocks.
 
#291 ·
OK fellas--the bushing kits for the shocks have been ordered. They won't be available from Chrysler until 7/16/14 per my dealer. Will let you know how it goes. Finally the 10TH TSB puts forth a viable solution. I just hope they get here before this set of shocks go. Its been around a month since they were put on so its about time to make noise again:lol:
 
#293 ·
Well of course the parts were not available with no known ETA. Had to call Jeep Resolution Team and let them know that I intend to go after them based on the Lemon Law. Miraculously the parts materialized two days later. Not only that but a local service department that told me new appointments are several weeks out all of a sudden had an immediate opening. If you rattle the right cage you get action. Don't let Chrysler Corporation get away with faulty Jeeps!
 
#294 ·
Ok here is the latest. Lock up your guns and throw away knives and sharp instruments. I have a 2011 Overland built on 5/11. I spent 5 hours at the dealer today. Bottom line, the bushing kit will not fit my Jeep. My shocks have the upper rod that is wide and then tapers down to the threads. The only shocks the kit will fit are the ones with a narrow non tapered shaft all the way to the shock body. Suicide was a thought. Then comes along my wet behind the ears 25 year old mechanic who has been on the phone with Chrysler for an hour. He finally got it out of the guy what was going on. There is a plate which sits over the top of the upper shock mount. The center of it has a nipple that sticks up. As I observed before, the mount has a part that hangs out with no support or contact with the body. There is your design flaw. The mount area that is in contact with the body is not flush because of the cover with the metal nipple. The cover moves on top of the mount and it rocks against the body because of the nipple. Anyway , their "fix" TSB 10 puts new bushings in place which stabilize the rod on the lighter duty shocks and they reinstall the upper shock mount without the little metal cover. Mine is quiet and it makes sense. When I packed grease above the mount before, it was just enough pressure to keep that plate from being as noisy when it moved. After it moves enough times, it breaks the freaking shock. Sound familiar?Read exactly what it says about vehicles it's designed for . If. Your shock looks exactly like the one on the TSB, it will fit. If your shock has a wide diameter rod which tapers down to a smaller end with the threads, u might try removing the top cover on the upper mount at your own risk. I can't see it being a problem since the top of the mount is flush with the body. Of course this whole thing has been %%}%€^}\£+!!!!! I'll keep you updated and pray for the best..otherwise I'll buy an Explorer sport instead of a Tahoe.


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#295 ·
2014 with tow pkg, 13 months old, 25,000 miles. Took it in yesterday as the 'clunk' became noticeable a few months ago and the new TSB gives them a fix.

They ordered the parts kit, said 1900 are on back order, no estimated supply date in mopar system. Parts guy's estimated delivery date was 'God only knows'.

My 2001 JGC had this same sound for most of the 70,000 miles I drove it.
 
#296 ·
1900 on backorder==that says something doesn't it? I had mine ordered the next day after the TSB and managed to get them.

Just be aware that the fix is only for these they listed:

NOTE: This bulletin applies to WK vehicles built on or before April 15, 2014 (MDH
0415XX) equipped with Normal Duty Suspension (sales code SDA) plus Rear
Load Leveling Suspension (sales code SES) or Export Tuned Suspension
(sales code SDM) plus Rear Load Leveling Suspension (sales code SES).
NOTE: This bulletin applies to WD vehicles built on or before Feb 12, 2014 (MDH
0212XX) equipped with ECO Suspension III (sales code SD2) plus Rear Load
Leveling Suspension (sales code SES).

If the shaft is not straight like the one they picture it will not work. Heavy duty quadralift suspension doesn't have an official fix. SLS is different from quadralift--forgive me if I seem to be talking down--not my intent just want to save you some headaches.The bushings didn't fit the new Chrysler shocks or the new Monroe's I bought as backups. You might want to look at one of your shocks to see.:giveup:
 
#298 ·
After some cage rattling and some heart to heart conversations with Jeep's Resolution Team I was able to get the parts expedited. They were installed Saturday. The ride is much much better. The clunking is gone. (at least for now). If this actually holds up I will consider my vehicle repaired. If it does not hold up I will never ever by another Jeep product.
 
#299 ·
Flippo, glad to hear it worked.

This fix couldn't have taken jeep engineering more than a couple of days to figure out once management decided it was worth assigning someone to figure it out.

Got my fingers crossed they will get the supply line filled soon. The replacement part number can be bought for $19 online so there can't be much in it.
 
#301 ·
The shock mount fix is done. From reading the posts it looks like mine might be the first on planet earth to have this done. I can't really tell how successful it was since the brakes that are falling apart are rattling so much that it drowns out the shock clunking. Goes back tomorrow for repair to the brakes. It will be a simple fix. I can say that it appears that the shock mount fix has made a big difference. I hope it holds this time. 6 trips to the shop in 8000 miles is not how it should be but I remain cautiously optimistic.
 
#302 ·
6 trip to the shop is nothing in comparison with what I had to go thru in the 3500 miles a put on my 2012.
I had my shocks change 8 times in 11 months. I finally gave up and went to the Better Business Bureau and hire a lawyer to go after the Dealership and Jeep.
The outcome was:
A brand New 2014 Overland with air suspension at the same price I paid for the 2012 Limited and my car take in by dealership.
That way my monthly payment will to change and I did not had to put any money down.
Very Happy with my 2014 Overland.
 
#303 ·
At least you have a happy story. Took mine in after shock mount fix was done because the rear brakes are diss-assembling all by themselves. Apparently the factory put in the wrong combination of pads,brackets and calipers. Of course they had to order parts so a simple brake fix has turned into a two week two trip repair job.
 
#304 ·
Jeep resolution team pretends to be interested in getting this vehicle right. They really don't seem to be doing much of anything other than they did get parts ordered. They don't call back even though the only way to get in touch with them is by leaving a voicemail.
 
#308 ·
The shock mount kit is on order for my 2012 JGC x model.
3 sets of shocks so far. The clunking is back, so I hope this works.
My warrenty is gone now and I still think its the shocks. The video of the frozen shock was exactly like mine.

Does anyone know of a replacement for the load leveling shocks that I can purchase?
 
#311 ·
Yes quadralift uses nitrogen filled compressor sysem to level. However, be sure you get verification before you buy the shocks. The fix with the rubber bushings will not fit my shocks. There are some shocks-which may be the SLS a-that have piston rods which are the same diameter top to bottom. Mine are narrow to fit the upper mount and then widen below that so the bushings will not slide down the piston rod (Thanks Chrysler) Here is a link to the TSB
http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_1700214.pdf
 
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