Bone stock XJ started making a fairly loud popping noise from the driver front tire after pulling into a parking spot with the wheel turned all the way to the right. When I left 5 minutes later i noticed the noise, but it is not consistent. Normally it will do this while going straight, and occasionally when turning either direction. Ive checked both shocks, all bushings under the front end are in OK condition at least. No play or shaking on any of the control/steering arms, etc.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, the Jeep has 225k miles and I do wheel her sometimes on the weekends

 

Is this just a single pop, or a series of pops as you roll forward? Can you tell which side it is coming from?

 

Multiple pops, increasing as I go faster but not consistently. It's the driver front wheel area. Put both sides on the jack before work, the passenger tire doesn't move when pushed either way but the driver side pops like there is a small amount of play, also when the driver side wheel is turned it slightly grinds. Passenger side doesn't

 

Check the axle u-joints. Get in there with a pry tool and see if there's any play in them.

I'm assuming this is popping as it rotates, not as you hit a bump...

 

 

It's the u-joint. Done and Done

 

The play seems to be coming from the very inner wheel (bearing?) unsure of the part name. Sorry for the multiple responses, at work

 

Driver side u-joint? Thanks for the quick replies guys

 

Axle seal, too, maybe. That's a job.