So I have an 1989 cherokee 2dr with a 2.5" lift and I have been having a problem. Recently I have begun to hear and feel a "knock, grab, bang, pop" sort of sound coming from my front. I have isolated the sound to the left side wheel area and it is only present when braking to a stop. The problem increases when turning to the left and braking. Today I pulled the wheel bearing in hopes to find something wrong but everything seems to be fine to me. I don't know if this is something detrimental, but I get the feeling if I don't fix it soon something bad will happen. If anyone knows what this could be it would really help me out. I am a DIY guy and i am hoping to stay out of a shop for this. Let me know if you need any more info.

Thanks

 

did you check or look at the axle u-joint?

 

I looked at the u-joint and it seems to be sound... I pulled it apart today again and I noticed some vertical movement in the entire hub assembly. It is moving about a 1/4" up and down. I think that the problem might be the ball joints. Any advise on tackling that problem would be great.