What Causes Jeep Liberty Valve Noise? – Know Specific Fixes

A slow ticking noise coming from inside your Jeep Liberty is enough to destroy an amazing journey. It makes the riders insane. But how does the Jeep Liberty valve noise appear, actually? The most common causes are low oil pressure, bad lifters, and rocker tunes.

Many drivers take the valve ticking noise lightly. But hearing the onset of this frustrating sound reveals the urgency of ongoing inspection and diagnosis of the engine valve. 

Let’s get to the core of this topic and make the necessary fixes. 

6 Possible Reasons Causes Jeep Liberty Valve Noise Problem

Generally, valves control high-pressure drops in liquids and gasses. While running a continuous flow of this mechanism, valve components can deform, wear out, or be damaged. That’s how valve noise starts.

However, the engine noise and the valve noise sound similar. So, how do you diagnose valve noise specifically? The sharper clicking and tapping noise indicates valve noise. 

Let’s learn the possible causes of the annoying valve noise.

1. Low Oil Pressure

When the engine has a low oil level, it cannot properly lubricate the valve. That’s when the valve of the Jeep Liberty starts ticking due to the dry touching of valve components. 

So, first, check the oil status. If you find a low oil level, fill it as required. Then inspect carefully to see if there are leaks. If found, repair leakages.

Next, check the oil filter. If it is dirty, it can be the reason for the low oil level. You have to replace the filter if it is found to be dirty.

An oil leakage repair cost ranges from $85 to $155, and the labor cost is from $70 to $1120. 

The average cost for an oil filter replacement is $150. It can be high for a different model.

Read Also: How to Troubleshoot and Fix U1411 Jeep Liberty DTC Code?

2. Weak Lifter

The lifter is the main part of the valve train that opens or closes the valves to receive oil. It controls the camshaft’s motion. 

When the lifter becomes flat or loses the required power to hold pressure, it creates a ticking noise. So, inspecting the lifter is the second step. 

After running the Jeep for a long distance, the lifter starts to fall and makes a tapping sound. 

The solution for the lifter ticking noise is to pull the weak lifter out and rebore. Replacing a faulty lifter may cost $583 on average. It fluctuates depending on the Jeep Liberty model and location.

Read Also: Air Leveling Valve Problems and Solutions!

3. Dirty Oil Deposits

If you run your Jeep with dirty or old oil, it will create a problem that can make disturbing valve noises. So, checking for oil is the next step.

While running through the valve, dirt or debris from dirty oil rubs and scours over the valve lifter and valve cylinder. It creates an annoying clicking and jarring sound. 

However, dirty oil is also the cause of the low oil pressure. It actually clogs different engine parts, including the filter, and there will be low oil pressure. It, in turn, makes noise.

Oil gets dirty over time. Replacing the oil is a cost-effective solution. The oil replacement cost for the Jeep Liberty ranges from $115 to $125.

Read Also: 9 Most Common Jeep 2.0 Turbo Problems (Solutions Included)

4. Bent Push Rod

Push rods are responsible for transferring the required motion to the valves. They push the rocker arms to open the valve. 

If the rods get bent, it pressurizes the valve and then begins making noise. So, in the following step, check the push rods. 

But how are push rods bent? When you drive your Jeep Liberty at a high accelerator, the unstable speed of the depression bends the push rod. 

When you get a deep rapping noise, it indicates the push rod noise. After diagnosing bent push rods from this sound, you should immediately inspect and replace them. 

Though the cost of the pushrod is low, it becomes high—about $480, including the labor cost.

Read Also: Jeep Navigation Not Working: Fix For Wrangler & Cherokee

5. Rocker Tunes

If you still get the valve noise, check the rocker’s arms. To open the exhaust and intake valves, the lifter pushes the rocker’s arms. Loose rocker arms create loud or disturbing noises.

If the rocker’s arms are not self-adjusting, you have to adjust the valve lash to adjust the rocker arm’s tension. 

By maintaining the suggested schedule, adjusting the rocker’s arms will avoid the appearance of annoying rocker tunes.

If you learn to make the necessary adjustments yourself, it is free. Professionals charge $150 to $300 to adjust the valve lash periodically.

6. Exhaust Leak

The valve exhaust gasket is sealed tight, but the worn bolts can cause leaks. Generally, leaks appear at the gasket head, where it is bolted. 

This situation creates a ticking noise. Besides, some leaks around the exhaust make it sound like the valve is ticking. So, you have to inspect the problem first and then repair the leakage. 

Taking an expert’s help is a wise decision before wasting money on replacing the lifter or other components. The cost to repair an exhaust manifold leak ranges from $160 to $270.

Which Jeep Liberty Models to Avoid for Valve Noise Experience?

Depending on the user’s complaints records, most complaints came for 1^st generation Jeep Liberty vehicles (2002-2007). Hence, the 2006 Jeep Liberty is known as the worst Jeep Liberty model. 

On the other hand, the 2012 model of the 2^nd generation of Jeep Liberty is the last edition of this brand. But there are some complaints about this model too.

Furthermore, after doing deep research on different issues in the Jeep Liberty models, we found that the 2002, 2004, and 2010 models are avertable regarding valve issues.

There are documented fluid leakage and corrosion issues at joints on the 2002 and 2004 models of Jeep Liberty. 

In addition, the 2010 Jeep Liberty model is known for having poor-quality metallic caps on valves.

You also should know about the best Jeep Liberty model. Isn’t it? The best models are the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Jeep Liberty.

Read Also: Jeep Backup Camera Not Working: What can be the possible reasons?

FAQs.

We saw some questions in discussions on Jeep Liberty vehicles. Here you will find answers to them.

Conclusion

Jeep Liberty valve noise is a crucial issue. Delaying its fix can create new issues in your engine. Valve noise seems prominent at high acceleration and cold starts. 

So, when you hear this sound, go through proper inspections and take the necessary steps immediately.

Read Also: Bolt Pattern of the Jeep Grand Cherokee | All Models Guide