Hey guys,

I'm new to Jeeps and off-roading in general. I went wheeling this weekend with my 2012 Unlimited and had a blast. Except now I have this groaning sound coming from somewhere underneath the Jeep.

On the trail I had some minor drags over rocks so I looked to see what kind of damage I inflicted.

The only two things I could see are a decent sized dent (about 1/2" deep, 4" long) on my catalytic converter and some light hits to my driver side control arm bracket (on the frame side). I attached a photo of the bracket below. I hammered it back a bit but it didn't seem to help.

The groan mostly comes when I accelerate or turn hard and accelerate. It seems worse on hills.

Am I just worrying about something that usually happens after a hard day on the trails or do you think either of these bumps could cause issues?

Thanks everyone

 

Heat shields can sometimes sound like groans... I'm guessing that's what it is.

 

If it happens when you're turning, I'd check all the plastic fender liners in the wheel wells. Sometimes they can pull loose. Check to make sure nothing else is bent and/or rubbing.

Did you check all the fluids? Did you submerge your differentials? Maybe there's something stuck in between the brake pad and rotor?

And, as mentioned...heat shields can make funny noises. A rattle can sound like a groan.