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I am a complete newbie when it comes to jeeps (and cars in general). However, I am very good at fixing things... once I know what the problem is.

After a summer of riding with the top down I was used to the loud noise of the air going by, but once I put the top up at the beginning of winter I instantly noticed a rubbing noise coming from my drive train. I can only hear it when I am driving with the clutch engaged and the faster I am going the louder it is (so I know it's behind the transmission). I didn't think much of it because I only had the jeep for a month or so with the top up before I took it down for the summer. Now I have been driving it with the top up for a couple months and the rubbing noise has gotten louder.

I don't really like taking my car to the dealership because in the past they have completely made up problems that didn't exist - so I would love to figure this out at home. All help is appreciated.

Some info about my jeep -- It's an 04 Wrangler X. I bought it used spring of 2012 with 22k miles on it. Everything related to the drivetrain is factory installed. I make sure to check the fluids regularly and they don't seem to be an issue.

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So you need to find out where on your drive train. Get your Jeep up off the ground so you can drive the wheels, and have a listen.

Likely places:

  • Differential
  • Universal joints on axles
  • Tire rubbing on bodywork
  • Brake pad rubbing against disc
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  • Hmm. Can't be the tire rubbing or the brakes because it's only when the clutch is engaged. The noise is most noticeable when I am in a high gear (3 or 4 or 5). I'm not that comfortable running my jeep in my garage in 5th gear - where should I do something like that? And if it were the diff wouldn't it only make a rubbing noise while turning?
    – Sponge Bob
    Feb 15, 2013 at 19:06
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    If you don't have the necessary lift or stands in your garage I'd probably suggest taking it along to a local mechanic. This will also have the advantage that they can listen as well, and will be in a very good position to identify the noise.
    – Rory Alsop
    Feb 15, 2013 at 20:24
  • That's a good idea. I think that's what I have to do.
    – Sponge Bob
    Feb 15, 2013 at 21:47

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