2001 GC Reverse noise

I have a 2001 GC with 70000 miles and when i put it in reverse on colder mornings it makes a winding sound coming from the front end of the car. Any pointers? Also, what might make a steering wheel squeak when you turn it at low speeds? It doesnt happen all of the time but occasionaly it does.

Posted by rcrist - 12-08-2004 at 07:38 AMI have a 2001 GC with 70000 miles and when i put it in reverse on colder mornings it makes a winding sound coming from the front end of the car. Any pointers? Also, what might make a steering wheel squeak when you turn it at low speeds? It doesnt happen all of the time but occasionaly it does.
Is it 4WD?

Have no idea, need more information. If it is 4WD, might be possible your getting some type of noise transfer from the trans. Very odd and I doubt it, but possible.

First thing I would check the trans fluid level and quality/condition. The preasure regulator valve might be buzzing. The highest line preasure developed in the transmission is when put into reverse.

I have seen some cases when the trans fluid level is somewhat low the regulator valve will occasionally make a buzzing type noise (possibly described as winding). I'm completely guessing here without anymore detailed information.

As far as the steering wheel squeak, that seems to be odd as well. By just making the squeak at low speeds. Try WD40, sorry can't help more. I'm sorry but I really have no idea as to what either of the answers could be to your problems.

p.s. maybe because of a low fluid level your hearing the fluid making a winding sound as it rushes through the trans cooler/radiator. You mentioned only when cold. Then as the trans heats up and the fluid level rises & expands, the noise goes away????????

Yes, the vehicle is 4WD

Posted by rcrist - 12-08-2004 at 12:43 PMYes, the vehicle is 4WD
Your still leaving me guessing here rcrist (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=268541). Have you checked the fluid in the transmission? Is ths fluid level full? What is the quality/condition of the transmission fluid?
Posted by Off_Road - 12-08-2004 at 10:37 AM
need more information.
First thing I would check the trans fluid level and quality/condition.
If it wasn't for the way you have described the noise, I might suggest check the front drive shaft joints, check the axle joints. But the noise they would make wouldn't be as you have described. Possibly a front diff ring gear or ring to pinion gear wear. But I would doubt that, being that it's a cold reverse problem. If it were ring & pinion, I think it would tend more to get worse after warming up, not go away. The viscosity of the gear oil when cold is much more thick and dense. Then as it heats up it would thin out allowing the noise to become even more noticeable

Again, I'm sorry. But with what info you have given me to work with I could just keep guessing all day. I'm sure someone much more wise then I will help you solve this problem. All the luck to you.

If it's a 4.0,it's possible that the pressure regulator in the trans is buzzing.Usually they do that when it's cold and only in reverse.I have seen that happen quite often.Sometimes replacing the valve body will help,but that is kind of expensive.If that is what it is,I have never seen one cause any other problems besides the noise,but I can't say for sure if that is what it is.As far as the steering noise,is it a squeak or kind of a honk?If it is a squeak,I would try to lube the boot at the bottom of the steering column.If it is like a honk sound,it is probably from the gearbox.

Sweet! I was wondering what that was. Mine does that when it's really cold. Just to confirm - you have the 4.0 liter, right. Is the problem exclusive to a specific tranny model? I have a 98' with a 4.0. It's either a 42RE or 42RH. Just curious. I wish I had an AW4 again - that thing ruled! Having the overdrive button on the dash is kinda lame.


For the steering squeel, my 93' started doing that and it progressed until it was doing it all the time. It may have been a different type of squeel, but I replaced the power steering pump and it stopped. Obviously, a quick check of the serpentine belt tension and the power steering fluid level would be your starting point.

In the event that it is your pump, and you have over-sized tires, lift, etc... I would recommend that instead of an OEM replacement, that you pick up a heavy-duty aftermarket unit like the AGR. Obviously this would be overkill if you don't off-road, but I wish I would have thought of it before replacing mine. Cheers.

xj31 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=222858) ,

Thanks for confirming my original diagnosis from my first posting on this thread. Although it was just a guess because there wasn't much info to go by.

Posted by Off_Road - 12-08-2004 at 10:37 AM
I have seen some cases when the trans fluid level is somewhat low the regulator valve will occasionally make a buzzing type noise (possibly described as winding). I'm completely guessing here without anymore detailed information.


In 99% of the cases I have seen, the cause was low fluid levels. And if not that reason, if the fluid level and quality is fine. I wouldn't replace the valve body (dealership philosophy). <-- Which is fine. Another thought might be to replace the preasure regulator valve spring with one from a shift kit. But usual cause low fluid level. Thanks again.

Off Road,I'm not saying to replace the valve body,the last time I checked they were almost $900.I was just adding my opinion based on what I have experienced.I completely agree with you on the fluid level as a major cause.It's just that in my years of working at jeep and chrysler dealers,I have seen this complaint on quite a few vehicles even with the fluid level being correct.In my opinion,it's just a characteristic of this type of trans.I have seen it on 42re,44re,46re, and 46rh transmissions.I don't recall ever having this happen on a 3 speed,but once again that is just what I have experienced.And since I'm handing out opinions,here's one more.If the fluid is ok and the trans is not having any other problems,it's probably nothing to worry about.I have seen this on so many jeeps and I never saw it cause any other issues.