I just replaced my upper and lower ball joints on my 98 XJ 2WD. I replaced the front passenger side first and noticed a slight grinding on the passenger when I was coasting (no gas) I then replaced the front driver side ball joints a couple days later and took it for a test drive and heard a louder grinding noise and a squeak intermittently turning left, mostly on hard turns or U turns. If anyone has any ideas what it could be or what I could do to diagnose the problem I would appreciate it.

 

This could potentially be a tire rubbing issue.
Jack up the front and turn the wheels lock to lock and look for contact.
otherwise, could the joints need greasing? I haven't done them before, so I don't know what I'm talking about lol.

 

Is the backing plate bent such that it rubs against the rotor?

 

^

 

do you mean the dust shield on the rotor? I haven’t had a chance to check it yet but i don’t think I damaged anything. But I’m not sure if maybe the wheel bearings got dirty or caught debris in the process?

 

I did grease the ball joints lol but jack up the front is definitely good idea, If I could try and mimic what’s going and figure it out. Thanks!

 

Yes. They easily get a little bent while working in that area.