Some 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models built between April 9, 2012 and August 6, 2012 may produce an annoying buzz, squeak or rattle from the back of the vehicle when going over bumps or rough road surfaces.
One likely cause of the noise, says Chrysler, is one or both of the exhaust tips making contact with the trailer hitch assembly.
Swapping in two new-design, slimmer profile exhaust tips, part No. 05181770AB, should eliminate the annoyance in short order.
When securing the new tips to the mufflers, leave the clamps loose enough so that you can center the tips in the rear fascia, then tighten the clamp bolts to 22 ft.-lbs.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].