When Sirens Call of the Wild

[Poolmanz Sport Bronco]

S’Up Bronco Sport Fans!
Had an experience this last off road trip on the Round Valley trail in Stanislaus national forest.

Bronco JR started to have a high pitch siren’s call and grinding at low speeds and RPM. This was after “bumping” into some centered rocks on the trail. After checking wheels, breaks, axles we could not find what was causing that noise.

We continue up to top of Mount Reba. No overheating or control issues. Just occasionally Sirens calling. The grinding was like when Trail Assist is on but it was off.
We came down and got back on Hwy4.
We noticed going a higher RPM 3k-4k , there were no sounds and everything was good.

Monday I took my rig to my mechanic and used his lift. By this time the sounds were not so frequent. This is what I found:

I couldn’t see that the exhaust and resonator were smashed up against the driveshaft when on the trail. So I went to my favorite local muffler shop and $260 later that day:

The new aftermarket performance resonator is smaller, but allows more exhaust through than OEM so I have a slight improvement in power according to my muffler guy. Either case very inexpensive off-road damage and I told him that I’m sure I’ll be back in the future.

However, I will be extra careful when judging rocks. For those asking I have a 1.5” lift kit with all under armor - bash plates and rock sliders.
Obviously nothing for the exhaust system

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[Mark S.]

Unusual noises indicate a mechanical change. Could be nothing, could be bad. You won't know which until you figure out what's making the noise. And problems never get better on their own.

 

[Bucko]

Unusual noises indicate a mechanical change. Could be nothing, could be bad. You won't know which until you figure out what's making the noise. And problems never get better on their own.

My sister, the head shrink, makes that statement often.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Ok, now I know why people want louder radios!

 

[SBGrad]

Glad to hear it wasn't worse, and especially that you could drive it home. Nobody wants to call for a trailer.

I know the BS has 8+ inches of ground clearance, however, we got some advice from our trail guide at Off Roadeo Moab-- Tyler said be careful with anything that sticks up higher than a dollar bill on edge (6"). Not that the BS couldn't clear it, but to be careful, and if possible, put the obstacle under the tire, rather than trying to straddle it.

Having said that, during Off Roadeo we kissed the rocks not once, but twice, and I winced both times. I looked at the dash, hoping not to see any red lights. I also half expected to hear over the radio, "#4 you're gushing oil and dropping parts all over the trail!"

However, the skid plates worked as advertised and nothing bad happened to the BS.

 

[Zadazoo]

I'm glad I'm not the only one! The noise was driving me crazy, after I ran over a rock that got dug up while climbing a sand dune. All sorts of weird conditions to get it to show up. I didn't have as much of a formal fix though. I just had a crowbar and some Jack stands to pull it kind of back in shape. When my janky fix fails, I'll for sure be referencing this

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