Ok. I have a 1999 XJ.
I had what felt like bad wheel bearings so I changed them. That did nothing.
So, I was told my axle u-joints were bad, so I changed them. That also did nothing (they were completely dry though).
I am really stumped. I checked the front diff fluid level...it was good.

Any other ideas?
Thanks

 

Make sure everything is thight, track bar, control arms, etc.

 

Front end noise can be either mechanical mostly from the parts you have replaced as well as the differential.
Other noise can come from wind, ( my VW polo makes a terrible noise when the roof bars are fitted), but also from the tyres.

If you are driving in 2wd (rear) the torque is removed from your front diff and should, but might not, remove any noise it wants to make.
Try putting it in neutral and coast along a bit on an empty road with your window down, does the noise disappear in neutral? if not then it is unlikely to be your drivetrain (gearbox,transfer box and diffs) it would point to wheel bearing and or tyres though. As you have changed hub bearing, it is unlikely to be that.

You could coast with the engine off in neutral, but that is dangerous unless it's a private road, and make sure you put the ignition on straight away (steering lock!)...actually don't do that at all. It would eliminate the engine though.

 

I am going to try coasting....The tires are going to be rotated tomorrow......its driving me nuts....I can feel it in my feet and the steering wheel.

 

If you can feel it in the steering wheel it's most likely to be tires, are they chunky off road type? They will make noise!
Try coasting, as I said that should eliminate drivetrain.
Let us know how you get on.

 

I was hunting down the beginnings of DW and changed all the CA bushings. They didn't look bad, But the difference in ride, road noise was amazing!!

 

I have this noise coming from the front when ever I turn. I thought it was the track bar but there's nothing wrong with it. Everything is oiled up and in good condition. I have tried just coasting but it still makes the noise. Every part of the steering is still stock. It's very dirty. It makes a metal on metal shifting noise. And happens most when I accelerate to the right or left. What could this be?

 

Ive got a similar issue with my 96 Cherokee, but mine makes this almost a clunking noise when I turn left or right, even when im going around curves it makes the sound and I can feel it in the floor. Im gonna make sure everything is tight tomorow but if anyone has any other direction I would be very greatful. oh and as far as I know all the steering components are stock, just bought it a few days ago.

 

I have the same problem. A clunking noise from the front end while turning left or right at low speeds and steering wheel vibration around 55 mph. It is driving me crazy!! I think it might be the ball joints or track bar.

 

Are you guys sure your axle (differential) UJ's are OK? The ones at the hubs! Not the prop shaft.
Mine made a clunking noise when turning right I think, it was the right hand UJ, completely shot.
Have a good look at them and see if there is any movement in them.

 

I just replaced the axle u joints and I still have the clunking noise. I am going to check out the track bar tomorrow.

 

I think the others are right about the track bar but also check your sway bar bushings... If they have never been changed they probably need it. Those typically only clunk when going over a dip or bump at an angle... $25 for new bushings isn't bad but the drop link bushings.. Included with the $25 kit is what makes the noise.

 

also the sway bar bushings that attach it to the body go bad and clunk. I just changed mine for $8 and no more noise
if you go under the Jeep and pull and push on it and it has a good abount of movement..change em. takes 20 minutes the most

 

tires can make bearing like noise

 

It is looking like the problem is the double cardan inner flange assembly. I did drive it without the front driveshaft and the clunking noise was gone, but there was a slight whining noise from the front end. Not sure if that is normal or not.