Hello,

I have been experiencing an inconsistent clunking noise while either turning, most notably at lower speeds. I have tried diagnosing the issue myself and replaced many parts in the process, however the noise still hasn't gone away. Looking for any suggestions or if anyone has had a similar experience. The front end parts I have replaced are since the noise:
- Sway bar and bushings
- lower control arms
- ball joints
- tie rod ends
- axle ujoints

As much as I like new parts, id rather stop throwing money at it. Thanks in advance!

 

Check your track bar and track bar bracket. Some of the bracket bolts on my '88 were loose and caused a loud clunk when turning (or even changing lanes). The end of the track bar at the bracket is also a tie rod end. Make sure the joint is tight. There's a hole in the bracket where the tie rod attaches. Sometimes that hole wallows out and can cause a clunk.

 

Finally got a chance to get under it today, and the trackbar seems all good (upgraded a couple years ago). The noise seems to come from both the drivers and passengers side, which leads me to think maybe wheel bearings?

 

Jack the front, get under and turn the front driveshaft..hear anything?

Bad unit bearings will make a growling sound, and kind of like a badly worn tyre, not clunking

technically it could be the u-joint, that should be detectable in the earlier test, pry at them

check vey carefully your engine mounts (mirror may be needed for LH side)

I have replaced them on all 3 of my XJs

The LH is especially subject to failure, If YOU havent done it, chances are its stuffed

 

I will have to check that out, never would haev though to look there. Newbie question as im still learning about these jeeps...what exacting is a unit bearing and where can I find the part if I need it? Ive tried looking it up and I can't find any info. Thanks for the info!

 

It is your wheel bearing, as the Cherokee is a constant drive axle it has unit bearings as opposed to separate bearings on a spindle.

 

Thanks for the clarification! Ill check it out and provide an update if needed. Thank you everyone for the advice and info!