Morning all, I was driving the wife’s Durango this weekend and noticed that there was a droning noise at about 65 – 70 MPH under slight power. It kind of sounds like it’s in the exhaust or drive train but I’m not sure.

It’s only happening at that speed and under load. If I let off the power or add more it goes away. Is anyone else having this problem and is it normal?

Thanks!

G

 

First thing that comes to mind is the differential. Is it 4x4? How many miles? If it were exhaust, you would notice differences at idle and start up too. I'd start with checking fluid levels in differential(s) and transfer case as well as transmission.

 

Sorry, yes it is a 4x4 and we got it used with about 22K on it. I was thinking that it kind of sounded like a diff but the sound completely goes away if I let off of it or speed up over 75MPH or slow to less than 60MPH. I was thinking that if it was a diff or transfer case then it would make the same noise under the same conditions regardless of speed. I think I'm going to go ahead and do the 30K service 5K early as it’s time to do it on my Ram anyway. That way I know that all the fluids are changed. I already purchased the oil anyway so may as well do it. I got Royal Purple for the diff's, transfer case, trans and motor.

Thanks for the advice and I'll follow up when I get to the bottom of it.

G

 

It is most likely the exhaust! It is a known problem on the Durango between 1700-2100 rpm.
Mine did the same, believe there might be a TSB for that, check with your dealer.

I put a cat-back exhaust on mine and the drone went away.

 

Thanks SCA! I was thinking along the same lines. I had a sneaky suspicion that's what it might be. Calling the dealer as I type....

 

I think it is a loose baffle or something if I remember correctly. It is anoying! Always forced me to go faster to stay out of the drone rpm!