Hey y'all, so a few days ago I noticed that when I turn the wheel to the left just past center there is a singular knock. sounds like it is either coming from the drivers front wheel or somewhere on the front drivers side of the vehicle. I just put new pads on up front and checked out/cleaned the components up front. I know the bushing on the passenger side of the sway bar need replaced and plan on doing them soon. I don't recall seeing anything else out of the ordinary while in the wheel wells. My steering box has been in need of replacement or rebuild for a little while now, but i've been debating the durango swap. Any ideas/advice? Does this sound like a failing steering box or something else? Thank you

 

Get a helper,get under the front.Have him turn the wheel back-and-forth and put your hands-on things. Something is gonna vibrate or otherwise let itself be known.

 

It'll have to wait until at least this weekend then. Ill only have a helper if I drive a few hours to my buddy in south Florida. I'll let y'all know what I find

 

Local parts guy should be willing to rock the wheel for you. Pretty quick procedure

 

I had a clunk noise when I turned going into a driveway (that small dip between the driveway and the street). Turned out to be the bolt hole for the LCA mount at the axle was wallowed out a little. I welded a washer over the hole and that solved the problem.

 

Well I got under it this weekend and had somebody rock the steering wheel back and forth. The steering gear had some movement, but I couldnt see anything visibly popping in and out when it would make the noise. Everything looked like it was moving relatively smoothly. I am thinking the steering gear may be finally on its last leg, or theres a thread that is popping when the steering gear moves a bit. Let me know what y'all think

 

Does it pop when parked (not moving) or only when moving? Was the front end on the ground when you checked?

Take a close look at the track bar and track bar mount, especially the joint.

 

Jeep was on the ground, it does it when parked or moving, doesn't matter. I'll take another look at it this weekend. Should I be looking for excessive play or just any movement in particular?

 

On mine, the bolts that hold the bracket came loose and it would clunk whenever I turned (or even changed lanes). So make sure all 4 are tight. The end of the track bar is a tie rod end and fits in the large hole end of the bracket. So check the TRE to make sure it's not loose. Also the hole can wallow out.