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Clunking sound from front end

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Old 09-14-2011, 09:58 AM
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Default Clunking sound from front end

I have had my XJ for about 2 years and it is a great truck. One problem I have had since I got and the previous owner had for several years was this clunking sound from the front end when going over bumps especially at an angle. For instance going over a speed bump at a slight angle causing the vehicle to rock back and forth. As it rocks back and forth I get the clunking noise. Going over a bump straight on at speed does not make the noise. Going over a washboard type dirt road and such it will make the noise. I have replaced the shocks and endlinks. Still the noise is there. I have inspected everything under the front end and everything looks good and tight. I greased all servicable points but I am not seeing something. I was wondering if anyone out there had any ideas for me to check?
Thanks,
Old 09-14-2011, 10:44 AM
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I had a sound in my driver front that was a bad clunking sound and it was the cv axle joint and the wheel bearing/hub assy. Then last week got the same sound again on the pass side and yet again the bearing/hub on that side. That was what I found. Jack it up and shake the wheels, if it has slop and moves at all then u know it's what I had. Hope I helped out.
Old 09-14-2011, 10:48 AM
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You mentioned changing the "end links". What end links? If it's making a noise while the axle is articulating like going over a speed bump at an angle, i would look at the sway bar links and sway bar bushings.
Old 09-14-2011, 10:57 AM
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Yes sorry I did replace my sway bar end links and bushings. I did the ol' shake the tire to look for play in the hub assembly and it seems tight on both of them. First I thought it was the shocks. I took the old ones off and they were siezed up, would not un-compress once compressed. I thought to myself for sure this was the problem, nope. Same with the swaybar end links\bushings. The pass. side was rusted and siezed up. Thinking to myself ok now this has to be the problem.. Nope WTF. I hate throwing money at problems replacing parts that don't need to be replaced. However in this case the shocks and endlinks were bad..
Thanks

Last edited by ariff; 09-14-2011 at 01:01 PM.
Old 09-14-2011, 12:45 PM
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I'd be willing to bet control arm bushings are worn.
Old 09-14-2011, 12:52 PM
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You think upper or lowers? Any good way to test them to see if they are bad? Thanks guys!
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