When I put my 1998 cherokee in 4h and take a turn at a low speed I hear a knocking noise. When I drive straight though it's perfectly fine. What could be the problem?

 

If this is 4h part time, then I'm hoping you're doing this is the icy snow or mud and not on dry surfaces

 

I remember reading that turning in 4H can cause binding in the drivetrain, but I'm still a semi-noob Jeep owner so I'll let others chime in.

 

You didn't answer my question though.

 

Need to answer my smartass remark first. Need to know how you operating your jeep first. Then we can help you out. Just trust me

 

Yes, but that's only when used on dry pavement. Needs to be slippage

 

the problem could be that you are using the 4x4 in a situation that it is not required. if you have the 4x4 engaged on dry ground like pavement or cement the drive line will bind causing the tires to skip and chirp. If you are using the 4x4 as intended and there is a knocking sound when turning check your front axle u-joints.

 

It was dry pavement. I bought this jeep a couple months ago and didn't test the 4x4 so I recently wanted to make sure it worked before the bad winter months hit.

 

That's the information we wanted. The Cherokee 4HiPT option is for slippery roads only. Mud, snow, heavy rains if your tires are worn out (yes that's a thing believe it or not) etc. If your TC lever says "2Hi, 4Hi, N, 4Lo" you have the Part time case NP231. You the lever has an option after 4Hi that says 4 Full time, then you have the NP242 which would be able to use on all types of conditions (4Full time that is)

 

I have the part time case.

 

Yup. Come winter, you'll learn a new trick. Its called shift on the fly. At any legal highway speed, even faster truthfully, you can release the accelerator peddle, pull lever to 4hi and keep driving along. This past season I would do it several times in one driving trip depending on road conditions. Good tires go along with winter capability.

 

Shift on the fly is the truth. I dropped into 4wd at 70 on the beach the other day.

 

OP, take your jeep into the woods or on some loose gravel and try it out. If that click or pop still happens on loose terrain, might want to check those u joints up front like someone else has suggested.

 

Or a beach. Also give the joints a visual. Discolored bodies of u joints means overheating which is no good

 

What color would the u joints be if overheating? A red ish color?