94JeepCherokeeMan

Before you all get really torqued off about another clunking post, let me just tell you guys that this one isn't typical...



There is a clunk coming from my steering and/or suspension while making a turn at lower speeds; second gear, right hand turn at about fifteen mph. It's very inconsistent because it doesn't do it every time. Sometimes it will *pop* at the beginning of a turn, and sometimes it won't *clunk* until I start to straighten the wheels back out. It also won't clunk unless I'm applying engine torque, about halfway through th clutch stroke when the vehicle starts to accelerate.



I kneeled down in front of the jeep last night and pushed and pulled on a few of the rods running from wheel to wheel, but couldn't feel any play. My entire suspension is stock and so are all of the steering components. They may also be all original.

I have greased every zerk fitting in the front, including the two right above the front wheel hubs. All of the driveline u-joints are good, but I doubt it's one of those anyway.

If someone could provide me a good checklist of things to look at, it would be greatly appreciated. Btw, I don't know much about the components or their names, so please don't just use the acronym, because I probably won't recognize it. I have a factory service manual to reference, too.

Thanks in advance,

Rob

h2oskikrazy

I have a similar problem. I suspect the main track bar bushing/bolt could be worn. You might check your steering stabilizer mounting bolts/bushings. I have had those make noise if loose. From there I might check all of my control arm bolts/bushings. I suppose you have looked at your tie rod ends. I have never had a problem with those yet.

A loose shock bolt will make noise also. I even had a loose coil spring clamp (located on the bottom of the spring) make noise.

94JeepCherokeeMan

Let me know what you find out, if anything. My dad's got the Jeep right now out fishing, so I can't do anything.

94JeepCherokeeMan

Does anybody else have any ideas on how to diagnose or pinpoint the problem?

Btommy

I have the same problem in mine.I have already replaced all of the bushings on the sway bar and that did not do it, I am replacing all of the tie rods and ends as well as the steering stabilizer over the weekend or early next week. I will post if it gets rid of it.

94JeepCherokeeMan

so before doing my coolant flush today, I jacked the Jeep up and did some looking.

There wasn't any play anywhere. The only things that moved were the drag link and tie rod, whick were just rotating on their pivot points. I also checked the wheel bearing play. There is zero, none, no play whatsoever in the front wheels.

Took the Jeep for a spin tonight and did some figure eights. It clunks twice from steering wheel center to full lock, either side. Does this help pinpoint anything?

Soon, I will order a bushing master kit from energy suspension and replace all the grommets and bushings underneath.

Please help me! It's my daily driver!

xjfan0310

I had a similar problem on mine. I had to have someone turn the wheel while running so I could get under there and look at it. It end up being the trac bar. Without someone turning the whee for me I never would have found it, no matter how many times I pulled, yanked or twisted things.

Could also be your u-joints

94JeepCherokeeMan

All the driveline u-joints are good. Are you talking about the ones in the knuckle?

94JeepCherokeeMan

Can anybody give me more diagnosing help?

AutobotXJ

I had a similar experience too- my friend turned the wheel while i looked it was a loose trackbar bolt at tbe axle. Retorque it to spec and let us know u did it.

xjfan0310

If it is a loud single clunk/pop then I bet money on it being the trac bar where it bolts up by the frame. Torque that down then see if it goes away

xjfan0310

It's very hard to see if that's it on your own. Do exactly what im saying here;
1.get a buddy to turn the wheel all the way til it locks in both directions slowly while its running in park
2. While he is doing that you take a bright flashlight and shine it on the ujoints, tie rods, and precisely the trac bar mount by the frame.
3. By doing that you will be able to see exactly what is making the sound

xjfan0310

94jeepcherokee---

P.S. Can you go back to my thread and help me figure mine out? Thanks much appreciated

99 Purple XJ

I got the same problem at slow speed i can turn and just get clunk clunk clunk as it sounds like a tire bending the fender but its not its weird

99xj33s

when i did my 4.5" lift it was fine for a while then i got the clunking when i turn every once in a while but progressively got worse..driving down a crappy city street here the bolt broke to the trackbar on the axle...i would check and make sure thats tight not sure if that could be your problem but it would be worth checking into