Clunking noise/feeling when turning wheel + pulling to the right?

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Feb 9, 2018 | 02:50 PM

mikecorrell

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 238

Likes: 88

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Clunking noise/feeling when turning wheel + pulling to the right?

I have a 2000 Cherokee Sport with a 3 in. lift. I recently fixed a death wobble issue it had by putting in a larger track bar bracket bolt and replacing the ball joints. I also replaced the front axle u-joints while I had the jeep apart, and got it aligned afterwards. It was riding and steering very smooth up until I noticed it wants to pull slightly right even when going down a flat, straight stretch of road. When I’m parked and I turn the wheel back and forth, I also noticed a pretty obvious clunking noise/feeling coming from the front, but only when I turn the wheel to the right. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can check?

Feb 9, 2018 | 09:21 PM

PatHenry

CF Veteran

Joined: Nov 2017

Posts: 3,700

Likes: 238

From: Groton, MA

Year: 1995

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: I6 4.0L

I'd start with sway bar links/bushings and shock mounting (loose hardware and/or worn bushings) as well as the control arm bushings and go from there. I'd double check that all the hardware involved in the recent front end work is nice and tight.

Feb 10, 2018 | 09:49 AM

mikecorrell

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 238

Likes: 88

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatHenry

I double checked and noticed that my upper control arm ends weren’t visible because of a plastic guard under the oil pan. I moved it out of the way and noticed that the bushings dont look very good... probably need to be replaced?

I also popped the hood and checked the steering shaft. I read that you shouldn’t be able to move it with your hands. With one hand, I can twist it about an inch each direction. Should I go ahead and tighten the gearbox after I make sure everything on the suspension is good and tight?

Feb 10, 2018 | 10:26 AM

OldTires

Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 952

Likes: 55

From: Eastern Long Island, NY

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L

I would not tighten the gear box yet. First try getting under it and have someone else turn the wheel back and forth. If you can repeat the noise when turning the wheel you should find it. Look at all the ball joints, tie rods, track bar and whatever else moves. I had a clunk for the longest and it was the sway bar links not being tight enough on the bushings.

Of course, take the proper precautions when getting under the Jeep while it is running - chuck the rear wheels, make sure it is in park, and set the parking brake too.