Ok so for about 3 weeks now I've been hearing a noise from the front end that I thought was a bad bushing like a control arm one or something. On the way home today I heard a very loud pop and felt something in the front end shift. Slowed down to see what it was and a very loud and bad metal on metal sounds started. Then it almost felt like I had a flat cause I could feel the front right moving up and down then side to side as I inched forward. I was having trouble maintain speed, nothing over 45mph, And no its not an engine problem I know it is something in the drive train. So I had to drive 12 miles home with the flashers on going 30. Everytime I would brake it pulled hard to the left, but it wasnt pulling like it was worn brakes, hard to describe it, but then it straighten out. Also lucky me I have a giant hole in my floor that I'm working on fixing and everytime I came to a stop or went slower than 10 mph, I could smell a very strong burning smell, almost like burning rubber with a hint of fried electrical. I really don't know what the problem is and I need help fast, I have tomorrow to fix it so I can get to work the next day. I'll lose my job if I don't get it fixed cause I wont have a way in. Sorry about the rant and thanks for the help.

 

Other than the jerking, was there difficulty when turning the wheel, like it was jammed? And also, did the engine rev and throttle normal and did the tranny respond normal? I am trying to seperate chassis and drivetrain issues.

 

So for 3 weeks this has been going on and NOW when it finally breaks you need to have it fixed ASAP??!! Did you stop to see WTF broke? You want us to figure out what broke and how to fix it for you without pics or even a slight description of what looks like what may be loose, broke, destroyed!!??

 

jack up the front end and check wheel bearings and all ball joints and all ball joints in the steering system. then post reply with what you've checked to eliminate stuff so we can better help.

 

Well that is the problem, the noise I thought was no big deal cause ive had other noises that have gone away, I know its a cherokee thing. And the problem is I dont know what broke, and I have a picture of things if it didnt look like everything was fine. I know my jeep like the back of my hand and everything looks normal. Maybe I should have been more specfic in my nervous rant. I need ideas of what it might be so I check this or that. I was almost thinking ball joints but my friend didnt think that was the problem.

 

just replaced the bearings not even 1000 miles ago.

 

Post pics... maybe we can help. Get the Jeep on jackstands with the wheels off after and take more pics.

And for Gods sake man... when you hear noises investigate them.

 

Did you check the trackbar mounts and axle and ujoints? Any fluid leaks?

 

Axle broke, axle u joint broke,track bar broke, etc......I know I looked outside and only saw my Jeep so I can't really tell without pics. Really not trying to be a smart *** but without pics or a better description what can we do?

 

one question in the midst of your problems. when was the last time you changed your calipers? just might be an unrelated problem of its own.
can u post pictures of track bar axle end, bracket end, track bar bracket from inside the frame and outside, axle looking at the tire ends with rotors off, tie rod ends, front axle u-joints, steering box mounts, pitman arm.
i think in the process, u might find your problem.

 

Stupid thought, but did you check the lug nuts? You said you changed the bearings 1000 miles ago. Maybe you didn't torque them down tight enough and they slowly backed off.

 

also don't forget to check all the mounting points on the coil springs and shocks as well as the components themselves with everything else.

 

I would guess that it has to be something in that hub you had torn apart. I bet if you jack it up you will find that you can shake that tire all over the place. But after driving it that far busted you'll be lucky on how much you can salvage inside there. I figure it pulled to the left cuz that's the side on the axle that the brake system was working properly. Sorry about your misfortune, good luck in your repairs.

 

i think your hub came apart like mcgoaw said and your caliper bracket is holding your wheel on for you. (caliper and rotor acting like a hub)

 

UPDATE. So the bearing check out fine. All other components seems fine, nothing in the steering is loose. I did find though the noise that I WAS hearing, when I turned the hubs in the forward rotating direction at a moderate pace, I can hear that squeacking that I said had gone away and I thought was a bushing. But it only squeecks when I rotate them like the wheels are going forward. Also the noise goes away if the t-case is in neutral or 4wd. Next thing I'm going to look at is the front diff. it seems like it could be leaking from the pinion but it is just damp on the bottom and its kinda gunky around the seal, but there are no drips on the ground. How much play should be in the pinion? There is some in all directions. That is all I can say for my problem at this point, I'm going to go pull the diff cover in a bit.