Creaking noise when turning right
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Bountiful, UT
Model: Cherokee
So this showed up a little while ago. I just replaced both the front side axle u joints. Everytime I turn right it makes a Creaking sound. It feels like it's under the floor boards. Anybody know what it could be?
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
If you feel it under the floor boards, it might be referred from the control arms (bushings) or sway bar/ bushings/links. Other thought (not under floorboard) would be wheel bearings.
It can be helpful to raise the front and have a look at the steering components with somebody turning the steering wheel stop to stop.
It can be helpful to raise the front and have a look at the steering components with somebody turning the steering wheel stop to stop.
Last edited by Roler; Oct 13, 2014 at 04:05 AM. Reason: typos...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Bountiful, UT
Model: Cherokee
If you feel it under the floor boards, it might be referred from the control arms (bushings). Other thought (not under floorboard) would be wheel bearings.
It can be helpfull to raise the front and have a look at the steering components with somebody turning the steering wheel stop to stop.
It can be helpfull to raise the front and have a look at the steering components with somebody turning the steering wheel stop to stop.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Have a look first before jumping into replacements. See if there is any play in the bushing (breakerbar helps with finding out). Also check if the centre of the bushing has moved backwards (should be in centre).
To answer your question: you can replace the bushings alone, which would be cheaper. But for a few $$ more, you can get the whole CA with the bushings in there. The lower CA's are a complete unit and can be installed pretty straight forward. The upper CA comes with only one bushing installed (the rear one). The upper CA bushing (front one) on the axle needs to be replaced separately.
To answer your question: you can replace the bushings alone, which would be cheaper. But for a few $$ more, you can get the whole CA with the bushings in there. The lower CA's are a complete unit and can be installed pretty straight forward. The upper CA comes with only one bushing installed (the rear one). The upper CA bushing (front one) on the axle needs to be replaced separately.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 103
From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Before replacing parts, lubricate the sway bar bushings and link rubbers. Lube the control arm rubbers and see if it helps.
Use Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray, available a the big box stores, like Lowe's and Home Depot.
Use Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray, available a the big box stores, like Lowe's and Home Depot.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 18
From: Florida
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Thanks Roler and CCKen. I'm having this exact same issue (creaking noise only on right turns), and I haven't had a chance to try to track it down yet. I appreciate the guidance on where to start.
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CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Lets ****-yse the lubing that "helpt a bit":
1) you did not lube enough
2) the parts are worn beyond the point that lubing can mask it
3) The lubed parts were not causing the issue in the first place
Do a visual and manual check on all the parts involved in suspension and steering that you can get to and you will likely find the cause yourself.
Lubing things is nice to not hear the annoying 'creaking' sounds while you drive to the part store to get your replacements
Last edited by Roler; Oct 13, 2014 at 04:16 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Bountiful, UT
Model: Cherokee
See post #4. If that is the case and if bushes are worn, cracked or have play, they need to be replaced.
Lets ****-yse the lubing that "helpt a bit":
1) you did not lube enough
2) the parts are worn beyond the point that lubing can mask it
3) The lubed parts were not causing the issue in the first place
Do a visual and manual check on all the parts involved in suspension and steering that you can get to and you will likely find the cause yourself.
Lubing things is nice to not hear the annoying 'creaking' sounds while you drive to the part store to get your replacements
Lets ****-yse the lubing that "helpt a bit":
1) you did not lube enough
2) the parts are worn beyond the point that lubing can mask it
3) The lubed parts were not causing the issue in the first place
Do a visual and manual check on all the parts involved in suspension and steering that you can get to and you will likely find the cause yourself.
Lubing things is nice to not hear the annoying 'creaking' sounds while you drive to the part store to get your replacements

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