New Owner with Questions

[Cheyne]

Hi,

I recently purchased a 2006 Liberty 3.7 with 140K for my daughter. It is not 4x4. In going over it, I had a few questions that I hoped those with more experience could answer:

I have now noticed a low rumble, roar, slight vibration that occurs while the gas pedal is depressed. Idle is quiet and smooth. This happens while going down the road, in neutral or in gear while parked when pressing the gas and so does not appear to be drivetrain related. It actually sounds more like a blow from the exhaust although the exhaust appears to be fine at a glance. I just need to know if this is normal for this vehicle or if I should be looking for something in particular.

Is there any particular thing that I should be aware of with it?

Both power mirrors do not work which I assume at this point may be the switch.

It appears to have been fairly well-maintained although there are some marks on the oil dipstick along with carbon deposits at the oil fill reservoir. Today I changed the oil with Mobil 1 and in doing so hope to clean up the engine some. I work on many of my vehicles but do plan to take this to my mechanic this week to go over it and to take a look at the AC before I replace the tires.

Thanks for your help.

 

[rjkj2005]

The idler pully will make a roar sound as well as the tensioner when the bearing is bad. Easy check. Just remove belt and see if pully sounds rough when spun and has a wobble. Also crank motor to see if sound is still there. If sound is still there then it's not in the belt drive system.
They all have carbon build up in the oil fill tube. That's where the PCV valve is located. Just to the left on the fill tube.
Measure the suspension. Factory ride hight is 19 inches from center of wheel to bottom of fender. Liberty's are bad for suspension sag. Springs are only good for around 25 to 30,000 miles.
Check to see if recalls have been done. They have a recall for gas tank ruptures in high-speed rear-end collisions. Jeeps fix is to put a tow hitch on .
Most likely it's the mirrors not the switch. I have had to replace both mirrors.
Find a u pull salvage yard that has a liberty or 2. It will be a regular weekend stop.
No there not that bad. Just remember what jeep stands for.
Just empty every pocket.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[LibertyTC]

Lift the hood, take a video of the noise as you advance the throttle in park.
That would help us hear what it may be.
Take a real thin piece of paper along the manifold and see if any air movement.
Ya probably the switch. Sometimes my mirrors both stop working and then magically works again, when I talk nice to it. :gr_grin:
Clean throttle body when u get some time IAC clean also is good maintenance and PCV clean too.
Get mechanic to pressure test coolant system for piece of mind. Reservoir & Coolant probably could use a good flush out. ONLY HOAT coolant - Zerex G05 only to the KJ!
Also rear end gear lube is a good idea too.

 

[tommudd]

If you just got it do all of the fluid changes oil, rear diff, cooling system etc so you are sure
Check the rear u-joints as well they may appear to be tight but actually rusted up
As far as carbon buildup in the oil tube I have 3 KJs on the road right now, 03,04 and 05 an NONE of them have that issue so don't be alarmed by it.
They are great vehicles, bought my 04 new and now over 220,000 miles, hardly anything but regular maintenance , some make it sound as if you need a ride along tech but not the case
Also check the UCAs in front they go bad rather quickly, the 03s lasted 81,000 miles is all

 

[Cheyne]

Thanks for the responses.

This does not sound like anything in the belt drive. TP around the exhaust manifold and flanges did not reveal anything obvious. Below is a link to a video of it, but it's hard to hear when revving higher unless listening closely. You can definitely feed the rumble/thump from the seat in the cabin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhFxGqKH_tg

The differential fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluid flush were performed recently based on Carfax. I may still drop the transmission pan since I don't know if the filter was changed.

The coolant has clearly been changed as it's a yellow/green like a universal Prestone. I did find a very small leak at what appears to be the thermostat housing at the bottom passenger's side hose. Not at the clamp but at the joint between the plastic housing and pipe.

I will definitely have my guy check the control arms/suspension in addition to the u-joints when he looks at it. It feels tight down the road and handles well although the steering feels a little too responsive compared to other vehicles. Not quite over-steer but close.

The Carfax did indicate that the recall for the hitch/tank has not been done. I planned on having this addressed also.

Thanks again.

 

[tommudd]

Thanks for the responses.

This does not sound like anything in the belt drive. TP around the exhaust manifold and flanges did not reveal anything obvious. Below is a link to a video of it, but it's hard to hear when revving higher unless listening closely. You can definitely feed the rumble/thump from the seat in the cabin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhFxGqKH_tg

The differential fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluid flush were performed recently based on Carfax. I may still drop the transmission pan since I don't know if the filter was changed.

The coolant has clearly been changed as it's a yellow/green like a universal Prestone. I did find a very small leak at what appears to be the thermostat housing at the bottom passenger's side hose. Not at the clamp but at the joint between the plastic housing and pipe.

I will definitely have my guy check the control arms/suspension in addition to the u-joints when he looks at it. It feels tight down the road and handles well although the steering feels a little too responsive compared to other vehicles. Not quite over-steer but close.

The Carfax did indicate that the recall for the hitch/tank has not been done. I planned on having this addressed also.

Thanks again.

IF it has the Universal Prestone stuff, get it out ASAP and replace with HOAT type before you have issues

 

[Cheyne]

I'll change out the coolant while addressing the leak that appears to be the thermostat housing. May as well replace the hoses and thermostat while at it.

My youngest probably best described the sound while riding in it with me. He said, "It sounds like a muscle car which may not be good with this one." :rotflmao:

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

IF it has the Universal Prestone stuff, get it out ASAP and replace with HOAT type before you have issues

I'll change out the coolant while addressing the leak that appears to be the thermostat housing. May as well replace the hoses and thermostat while at it.

My youngest probably best described the sound while riding in it with me. He said, "It sounds like a muscle car which may not be good with this one." :rotflmao:

Yes, definitely change out that coolant. As Tim mentioned above, Zerex GO-5 from Napa, O'Reilly's and others is HOAT coolant which is the only coolant type that works in these engines. The universal stuff ain't universal.

That quote from your youngest is hilarious! :happy175:

Bob

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

That sound is in time with the firing of the engine - almost sounds like an exhaust leak maybe around one of the cats...?

Does it have an aftermarket muffler?


Bob

 

[Cheyne]

Yep, it's in time with the engine/throttle and sounds like perhaps an exhaust leak. It also does sound louder at the passenger side cat, but there is some vibration with it which makes me also question perhaps the exhaust hangers. So it may be a combination of issues. I checked with paper but did not see an obvious leak while checking on the ground. I did not put it up on ramps.

I decided to let the mechanic run it down while doing an initial full inspection and after I got a little too close and have the mark to prove it.

The exhaust including the muffler appears to be completely original. It's the only thing down there that does not appear to be immaculate for a 10 year old vehicle.

On another note, I was putting together a parts list for the cooling system. Some complained online about the thermostat fitment and gasket for the aftermarket thermostats. Any suggestions/known issues? They may have just not been taking their time with it although this one does appear to have a gasket issue after having been serviced in the past.

 

[renegade 04]

When replacing the thermostat replace it with mopar only.

 

[Cheyne]

The engine needs replaced according to two shops due to bottom end noise. When I picked it up it red lined in traffic. I got it home and noticed that the electric fan was inoperative even when the AC was on. I tested it later and it came on and quit after a while when it heated up. Fan was also weak, so it appears it needs replacing in addition to the engine. I'll replace it when I replaced the engine with a remanufactured engine unless someone knows something I'm missing

Also, the suspension measures around 18" - 18.5" so it appears it may need coil springs. I see that OME are popular, but I'm looking for something with a OE feel that reduces body roll and is not too stiff also. Has anyone had experience with the Moog assemblies? This is for the baby girl to drive, primarily to school but obviously also more. I'm trying to figure out what is best for the application,

 

[Kal-El]

Also, the suspension measures around 18" - 18.5" so it appears it may need coil springs. I see that OME are popular, but I'm looking for something with a OE feel that reduces body roll and is not too stiff also. Has anyone had experience with the Moog assemblies? This is for the baby girl to drive, primarily to school but obviously also more. I'm trying to figure out what is best for the application,

I put on Moog struts & rear springs and I'm currently sitting at just under 20 inches. It's my wife's daily commuter and she's pretty much fine with the ride and handling. Her only problem is that the ride height is almost TOO tall.

 

[Cheyne]

My daughter is not tall at all so that may present more of a challenge. She wanted the Liberty because she likes them but also so that she sits taller for visibility when driving.

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

The engine needs replaced according to two shops due to bottom end noise. When I picked it up it red lined in traffic. I got it home and noticed that the electric fan was inoperative even when the AC was on. I tested it later and it came on and quit after a while when it heated up. Fan was also weak, so it appears it needs replacing in addition to the engine. I'll replace it when I replaced the engine with a remanufactured engine unless someone knows something I'm missing

Also, the suspension measures around 18" - 18.5" so it appears it may need coil springs. I see that OME are popular, but I'm looking for something with a OE feel that reduces body roll and is not too stiff also. Has anyone had experience with the Moog assemblies? This is for the baby girl to drive, primarily to school but obviously also more. I'm trying to figure out what is best for the application,

Sorry to hear about the engine implosion. These engines aren't happy with excess heat but are pretty sturdy otherwise.

As for the suspension, OME coils (especially the 926 mediums) will be very much like the OE coils except they won't sag quickly and they are more stable. You'll notice they won't bottom out over RR tracks and other sharp bumps and will give a better ride overall. Remember that the quality of the shocks has a large part in stability, safety and overall comfort - but poor springs with good shocks is just as bad as poor shocks with good springs.

Not dissing Moogs here, but I do think the OME's are a better fit for the Liberty. :waytogo:


Bob

 

[JasonJ]

... As for the suspension, OME coils (especially the 926 mediums) will be very much like the OE coils except they won't sag quickly and they are more stable. ...
Bob

Bob, Will the 926's add any lift to the Jeep? Sounds like they don't want much if any. And adding steps or nerf bars after having to replace the engine and suspension is not an expense they'll want, I'm sure.

If those will sit it around stock height, that would be the perfect suggestion for new springs.

 

[Cheyne]

No, I didn't really want more expense, but at this point it is what it is. New engine with new cooling system including coolant change to HOAT, water pump, Mopar thermostat, hoses and electric fan, although I may leave the radiator since it appears pretty new. Someone may have thought it was the cooling problem.

New tires. Suspension reworked apparently with the OME since stability in a SUV is more important than anything to me with a young teenage driver. I need the Liberty to be glued to the road with no body roll.

This is going to cost a small fortune, but it should be reliable for years to come. Once finished, I'll drive it for a few months until she gets her license to make sure all of the issues are cleared up.

Have I mentioned that my daughter costs me money? After all of this, she'll make me put in a new radio.

 

[tommudd]

Bob, Will the 926's add any lift to the Jeep? Sounds like they don't want much if any. And adding steps or nerf bars after having to replace the engine and suspension is not an expense they'll want, I'm sure.

If those will sit it around stock height, that would be the perfect suggestion for new springs.

Yes 926s will add some height especially over old sloppy stock

 

[tommudd]

No, I didn't really want more expense, but at this point it is what it is. New engine with new cooling system including coolant change to HOAT, water pump, Mopar thermostat, hoses and electric fan, although I may leave the radiator since it appears pretty new. Someone may have thought it was the cooling problem.

New tires. Suspension reworked apparently with the OME since stability in a SUV is more important than anything to me with a young teenage driver. I need the Liberty to be glued to the road with no body roll.

This is going to cost a small fortune, but it should be reliable for years to come. Once finished, I'll drive it for a few months until she gets her license to make sure all of the issues are cleared up.

Have I mentioned that my daughter costs me money? After all of this, she'll make me put in a new radio.

IF you do not want much of any lift over new stock height ( I'm assuming its more than likely an inch below now anyways )
BUT for example my first OME setup 927s/948s last 100,000 miles before I removed them and sold them to a friend to install on his. In that time they sagged under 3/4 of an inch. Compared to the 03 I picked up last fall at 81,000 had sagged over 1.5 inches
Stock front springs are only rated at 310 lb, weak even from the factory reason I removed mine at 20,000 miles, brake dive, body roll, slowing down for RR tracks etc had me hating to drive my new KJ back in 04.
But OME front 926s are rated at 375 lb, still a very good ride ( better than stock ) but not too firm etc , 925s are even less at 350 lbs either is a great upgrade for someone who doesn't want much lift BUT wants a good ride and handling

 

[Cheyne]

925s are even less at 250 lbs either is a great upgrade for someone who doesn't want much lift BUT wants a good ride and handling

I assume they are 350 lbs?

I don't want to get her something that is too hard to get in and out of since she's only around 5', but the stability/planted driving is FAR more important than any of it. I'll figure out step bars, etc if needed. Actually, I would have to check this evening but I believe it has a step rail. I just wouldn't have noticed it much since I don't need it.

Stability and longevity, not lift, are the key here so that they don't wear without me knowing it since I imagine she'll have this vehicle for many years to come and I may not have access to it down the road if say she's away at school. Some lift, if necessary, is ok to achieve the other two factors.

Is there somewhere to determine ride height change from stock with the 925,926,927?