Frontend driver side clang off pavement
 

96 XJ 4.0L 4WD Auto

Guys (and gals) I know this inquiry is, out of necessity, so vague that it's probably pointless to even post. That said, the vehicle has just developed a clangy noise when off pavement and on mildly rough or worse roads. It's not a clunk - more of a clang and brings to mind some exposed part. It's like something is loose but I can't spot anything that looks loose or unusual. Shocks are probably original - I've put the last 130K on them - the vehicle has 225K. But I get no new behavior or bouncing or oscillation like you would expect with worn out shocks or a broken shock on the driver side.

When inspecting, discovered that the motor mount on the driver side was freshly broken. I was pretty smug for a while thinking I had solved the problem once I changed out the motor mount. But clang is still there with maybe a slight improvement.

Thanks,
Larry

Check your sway bar bushings. I found one of mine was gone to the point of the sway bar "clanging" against the frame. hope that helps.

It could also be the front brake pads rattling around. Lightly apply the brakes when you hear the noise, if it goes away you found the cause. The cure is anti-rattle clips for the pads.

Will check the brake pads
 

Thanks kcoffey for the idea but bushings are generally still in tack - not perfect but generally ok.

Bustedback - good idea on the brake pads - that's what it sounds like. I'll check the left front and compare to the right front.

Larry