Front end popping sound ????
12-22-2016, 10:53 PM
#16
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
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Always tighten the track bar bracket to frame bolts just cuz.
12-24-2016, 05:45 AM
#17
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Mine was making a popping noise also for a couple days when it was really cold (in the negative degrees). I didn't have much of a chance to check it out but I could hear the noise the loudest when I had my head up under the dash. I was thinking it was something in the steering column or shaft. It's stopped doing it now that's it has warmed up so I can't look into it more.
I was told someone made a compete front end rebuild kit, has everything I need to just rebuild the whole front end. I think rather than mess around with this and that, here and there, I'd be better off just rebuilding the whole think.
Thoughts on this????
12-24-2016, 07:32 AM
#18
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Year: 1990
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Compare price of kit versus price per piece. Check a couple sources. Advanced Auto (use coupon codes and Speed Perks), Amazon, Rock Auto. While you are replacing is a good time to upgrade. V8 ZJ tie rod swaps in on any lift height. Double shear track bar if you plan to go higher. Adjustable control arms. So on. I hate swapping stock parts for stock parts just to change them for beefier parts down the road.
As a rule, I try not to throw parts at a problem. My front end was making a similar popping noise, AFTER replacing everything. Didn't pop before. I replaced everything as part of lifting the Jeep and putting 33s on it. Turns out my steering box was moving around on the frame rail. The bolts on the box were loose, tightened them, didn't stop. Could see evidence of washers rubbing paint on frame rail. My answer was to plate the frame rails, punch out the stock bolt sleeves, and weld in 1" thick bar stock (with 1/2" hole bored through it) for box/frame spacers. Box aint moving now. Probably overkill, but I weld for fun. Not saying you have the same issue. If you do, there are bolt in kits available. I made mine because I had the material on hand.
As a rule, I try not to throw parts at a problem. My front end was making a similar popping noise, AFTER replacing everything. Didn't pop before. I replaced everything as part of lifting the Jeep and putting 33s on it. Turns out my steering box was moving around on the frame rail. The bolts on the box were loose, tightened them, didn't stop. Could see evidence of washers rubbing paint on frame rail. My answer was to plate the frame rails, punch out the stock bolt sleeves, and weld in 1" thick bar stock (with 1/2" hole bored through it) for box/frame spacers. Box aint moving now. Probably overkill, but I weld for fun. Not saying you have the same issue. If you do, there are bolt in kits available. I made mine because I had the material on hand.
12-24-2016, 07:43 AM
#19
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Have either of you put a socket/wrench on the trackbar to frame bracket bolts yet?
12-24-2016, 08:06 AM
#20
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Yes I did. When I installed the double sheer track bar with drop bracket. When the popping sound started (some time after I installed the lift kit), I rechecked torque on all suspension components. With torque wrench to proper specs.
12-24-2016, 08:41 AM
#21
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Well, tighten the bolts tighter. The spec is too low.
12-24-2016, 08:51 AM
#22
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You're telling me to over torque a fastener? That leads to the fastener being over stretched which can cause the fastener to fatigue when stressed. If it is a concern of the track bar mount moving around, then I will tack weld it to the frame rail if it starts popping again.
12-24-2016, 08:54 AM
#23
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You're telling me to over torque a fastener? That leads to the fastener being over stretched which can cause the fastener to fatigue when stressed. If it is a concern of the track bar mount moving around, then I will tack weld it to the frame rail if it starts popping again.
This was such a problem when the Jeeps were new that we tightened the **** out of those bolts during Pre Delivery Inspection just so we would have no customer complaints down the road.
Carry on.