2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler Rear Axle Noise TSB 03-005-24

Owners of certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler models may experience an unusual "Intermittent grinding, screeching, ratcheting noise coming from the right hand side of vehicle on the rear axle." This specific Jeep Wrangler rear axle noise has been identified and addressed by Stellantis in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 03-005-24.

This TSB applies to 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler (JL) vehicles built on or before March 25, 2024 (MDH 0325XX), specifically those equipped with the Dana M220 Wide Full Floating RR Axle (Sales Code DRN).

Symptoms

If your 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler is affected, you might notice an intermittent grinding, screeching, or ratcheting sound. This Jeep Wrangler rear axle noise typically originates from the right-hand side of the vehicle's rear axle. These noises are usually indicative of an underlying mechanical issue that requires attention.

Diagnosis

The root cause of the Jeep Wrangler rear axle noise described in TSB 03-005-24 is a lack of lubrication between the axle shaft and hub splines. When a customer reports these symptoms, technicians are instructed to proceed directly with the repair procedure outlined in the bulletin.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair detailed in TSB 03-005-24 involves cleaning and lubricating the axle shaft and hub splines to resolve the noise. The process includes several steps:

1. Disassembly: Technicians will begin by removing the brake caliper, rotor, wheel speed sensor, and disconnecting the parking brake cable. The four hub nuts (shown in Fig. 1 of the TSB) must be removed and discarded.
2. Axle Removal: The hub, axle shaft, and bearing assembly are then removed from the axle housing. The axle shaft is separated from the hub.
3. Cleaning: Both the axle shaft splines and hub splines are thoroughly cleaned using brake cleaner and a wire brush to remove any fretting or corrosion (as depicted in Fig. 2). After cleaning, forced air is used to ensure all debris is removed.
4. Lubrication: Mopar® Wheel Bearing Grease (Part No. 05083150AA) is applied to both the hub splines and axle shaft splines, ensuring the entire spline interface is coated (Fig. 3).
5. Reassembly: The axle shaft is reinstalled into the hub, followed by the axle shaft, hub, and bearing assembly into the tube. The tube flange's inside diameter is lubricated with 75-85W sump lube (Fig. 4) to aid O-ring guidance.
6. Final Steps: Four new hex flange lock nuts (Part No. 68003275AA) are installed. The parking brake cable, wheel speed sensor, brake caliper, and rotor are reconnected and reinstalled.

Required Parts and Materials

To perform this repair, the following parts and materials are specified:

• 05083150AA: Mopar® Wheel Bearing Grease (1/100 of a 14.5 ounce cartridge)
• 68003275AA: Hex Flange Lock Nut (4 required, for tube flange to hub unit nut)
• 68651258AA: O-Ring (1 required, for wheel hub bearing)

Important Warnings

Technicians are specifically instructed to DISCARD the original four hub nuts and install NEW ones during reassembly. Additionally, the O-ring (Part No. 68651258AA) should be inspected for any damage and replaced if necessary to ensure proper sealing and function.

Owner Action

If you own a 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler and are experiencing grinding, screeching, or ratcheting noises from the right rear axle, it is recommended to contact your authorized Stellantis dealer. Reference TSB 03-005-24 when scheduling your service appointment. This repair is reimbursable under the provisions of the vehicle's warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID 11002798