I’m trying to figure out a clunk from the front end when I make turns; it seems to come from the driver’s side, and only in a sharp turn, like a junction; I drove 3 hours on the freeway recently and didn’t hear it once. It’s fine over bumps and when braking/accelerating. It’s one ‘clunk’ when the wheel is turned, not a ‘clunk-clunk-clunk’ like a bad UJ or CV joint.

Problem is, it only happens when the truck is moving. I got a friend to sit in and move the wheel while I was underneath, but the noise won’t happen when it’s stopped. I’m at a loss how to trace it if I can’t get under the darn truck while it’s happening!! However……

The steering is direct and slop-free (for an XJ)
No apparent movement from the lower/upper control arm bushings
No chassis rust (west coast truck) and no movement of steering box/chassis flex
No apparent slop in tie rod ends
No wheel bearing noise at any time.
Track bar didn’t seem to move
Lower pin bushings on the shocks look fine
Smooth and straight at all speeds, including 70+ freeway

There looks to be a bit of slop in the UJ at the end of the pitman arm, not sure though.

I’d welcome any suggestions! I’ve read a LOT of forum posts etc……could bad upper/lower hub ball joints be to blame? Or even a loose caliper? Maybe I should jack up the front and try again, but I don’t know it would help. Thanks!

 

I had a clunk in the Driver Front when turning and hitting a bump.

For me, it was the bolts holding the track bar mount on the frame side weren't tight enough... Not loose, but just not tight enough. I got about a 1/2 turn tighter on them with a 1/2" ratchet and the clunk stopped.

Might not hurt to check them.

 

Thanks for this! I'll check this first when I jack up the truck. I'll update the thread with any results!!

 

Hey Nodak1, just to say thanks for the suggestion, it worked! One bolt was kind of tight, the other loose. So for anyone who sees this thread i the future, check those bolts first!!

 

Excellent!