My 2003 Rubicon has developed a tapping noise while riding at moderate speeds. It's not the lifters and it doesn't seem like its in the motor. It sounds like the pump on the transmission. I noticed it the other day while riding down a dirt road. I have not abused the machine and have had all the services done. It has around 400 miles on it and about 50 hours. It sounds like lifter knock but it doesnt do it when sitting still and reving the motor. It doesnt seem to do it when I am in ESP mode. Only in D1and D2. Can anyone help me out?

 

did you ever get the tune-up after the like 100 mile break in? have you adjusted your valves ever? take it to the dealer & get it checked up...im pretty sure its your valves

 

This may seem like a wierd question,But have you disconnected the battery or has the battery gone dead on you at one time or another? If so you may have to Reinitialize the computer.I have heard of some being noisey if this has not been done.

 

well sounds like you should take it to the dealer and have the oil pressure tested you might have low oil pressure or taken out your centrifcal clutch ( on the crank) the other thing you can do is see if the noise gets loader when you hold the brakes in gear if it gets loader you may have scored the small end of the conecting rod. I have seen this type of problems with the first couple of years 2001-2002.