How to Fix Trailer Hitch Rattle on a 2015 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

I just installed the trailer hitch on my 2015 Jeep Cherokee. Im noticing a rattle when going over bumps in the road. I think this is from the muffler striking the hitch. Is this common? How do you suggest I fix it?

asked by: Matthew J

Helpful Expert Reply:

Exhaust rattle is more common that you would think when installing trailer hitches. This is because the vehicle manufacturing process does not always leave the exhaust in the exact same location on every single vehicle. The rattling you are experiencing is not common on your 2015 Jeep Cherokee, but I have seen it before. The issue is that the side edges of the muffler are hitting against the back of the hitch's crosstube.

If you crawl under the back of your Jeep, you will likely see a very small gap between the side edge of the muffler and the hitch. When you hit bumps, the rubber isolators allow the exhaust to move enough to hit the hitch. Ideally, you would like that gap to be 3/8 inch or more. My fix was to bend the muffler's hanging brackets toward the hitch to pull the muffler away from the hitch enough to eliminate the rattling with a large pry bar. They were the brackets just above the muffler on both sides. If you are not comfortable doing this, any automotive shop should be able to do this for a nominal fee.

expert reply by: John H