(posted on /r/cherokeexj also)

hey all, 2000 xj sport all stock - 150xxx miles

recently while making left turns (not right oddly enough) and going over bumps, there's a consistent clunk coming from the drivers side that has been getting worse. I tried getting my sister to turn the steering wheel while I was under the car to see any play but there was nothing that was moving out of the ordinary. my bushings still look pretty good all under there and everything is tight. I also can barely hear the clunk on the outside - inside it's pretty prominent. I bought this in June and had all the front end stuff done before it was aligned - i've also been noticing it has been slightly veering to the right and it seems the alignment might be going out again

what could it be? i'd really like to get this done myself before the cold ontario winters hit - thanks!

 

Did you check for cracks in the frame mounting locations for both the steering gear and the track bar?

Are the shocks loose (that's the classic cause of a clunk in the front end)?

How are the front axle u-joints (particularly the driver's side) and the front driveshaft u-joint (assuming 4wd, of course)?

 

Another thought - how is the engine mount on the driver's side?

 

 

the mounts seem really tight but i'll have to check for cracks - if the track bar or steering mounts are cracked i'm guessing i'd have to replace the whole thing right?

shocks seem pretty good same with the u joints - the sound doesn't speed up, it's just the single clunk so I think that may clear that. engine mounts are solid too.

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the bushings look like they still have a lot of life in them

 

Control arms? The Lower control arm is involved in alignment - how are the bushings? There is a technique described to sort of rock the jeep forward and backward while watching the arms that was described in another recent thread - it might be worthwhile to see if there's any play in the arms.

 

thanks! i'll give that a go. if I can't figure it out myself i have a 1 year in warranty with the alignment so i might just go back to the shop and see what's up

 

Track bar cracking probably requires welding. Steering mount I believe is a large bracket that bolts on. However, it might be easier to weld it in place if it's feasible.