98CherokeeLimit4x4

Wondering how hard it is to change te ball joint on a cherokee.I'm pretty sure the lower ball joint is whats poppin when i turn my cherokee it goes pop.pop.pop.pop turning left only and the joint moves too on left wheel assembly.Any help appreciated

Carl48

Try to pinpoint the noise source before tearing things apart...lots of things can make a popping noise up front. Does the noise occur while in motion or standing still? If the noise occurs while turning the steering wheel while standing still, jack up the front of the vehicle to get weight off of the wheels...if the noise goes away, it is probably a bad ball joint. A mechanic's stethoscope is a helpful tool for locating these types of problems. Do some more diagnosis and let us know the results.

BuckB91XJ

While you have the front end jacked up as the guy in the prior message said, Now, try wiggling your left steering axle U-joint or the stub shaft. If it wiggles at all, you U-joint is bad....and is most likely what is causing your popping while in a left turn. You can also try to stick a small pry bar or large straight slot screwdriver between the lower axle flange and the knuckle assembly. If you can moce them apart, I'd say your Balljoint is bad. Another way to test Balljoints is to grab the tire at the top and bottom and try wiggle it.

Skreed

When mine popped it was the u joint.

CrawlnCoupe

yep, same here

frankthetank

I've got a slight pop. think it might be the steering box though.

98CherokeeLimit4x4

Yes I have jacked it up and took weight off of it and the poppin is gone.So ball joint for sure?

Carl48

Probably. If the noise happens while the vehicle is in motion, it could very well be a u-joint. However, if the noise occurs while the vehicle is stopped while you turn the steering wheel and it goes away when you get weight off of the wheels then the ball joint(s) become suspect. Best way to confirm this is by listening with a stethoscope as previously suggested...listen for creaking, grinding, popping noises at the axle yoke near the suspect ball joint. Replacing the ball joints involves removing the wheel, caliper, rotor, hub, axle shaft, and knuckle to get access to the ball joints. You will need to buy,borrow, or rent a press tool. You will also need at least a 36mm socket, 13mm 12point wrench/socket, pickle fork, bfh, penetrant, and lots of patience. Do a search on this and other forums for how to remove hubs and ball joints...there is a ton of info out there. If the front axle u-joints are the least bit suspect or sloppy...this is the time to replace them also. Replace both upper and lower ball joints even if only one is bad...use greaseable type replacement joints. Good luck.

xj88kid

Thanks for the info guys! I have the same thing that is happening to my XJ! Saves me a post

Derrtydave

FYI: about $75 in poly bushings and a good day under the car with tools eliminated 80% of the pops and clunks I was getting when I first bought my 98 XJ. Especially the steering linkage and stabilizer bushings. Those things wear FAST... I'm almost ready for new ones 4 years later.

The rest of the noises are, well... Jeep personality.

z.rose188

I've got the same problem but mine does it while in motion and while stopped. So u-joint?

Paco182

The upper joint on my track-bar pops, needs to be replaced. Just something to consider.

z.rose188

Come to find out it's the tie rod end from the pitman.

Diesel

My brakes pop, just been lazy and been driving my cummins instead.

Basslicks

Mine is popping like that too... I'll jack it up and check it tomorrow... meanwhile, I have a TON of play in the steering wheel... It's a 2wd with no lift and wide tires (255/60 15's)... my grandfather suspects the play is a bad gearbox... any other suggestions?

- Justin <><