Hi guys, first time poster here. My '95 XJ 4.0 4wd SE is making a sort of intermittent knocking sound when turning the wheel and sometimes braking. I got under there today and tried moving stuff around and nothing seemed too loose (sway bar, ball joints) although I'm no expert. The front driveshaft U joint does swivel a bit but it isn't loose so I think that's normal... I did take a video with the sound though. Doesn't seem to do it in park or when im accelerating (I didn't get any noise today but I feel like it may have made noise while accelerating in the past). Any ideas?
Video here >>>> https://youtu.be/WytDLalVNBw <<<<

 

Have you checked your power steering fluid level? There's only really 2 things I can think of that can make that kind of mechanical noise when the Jeep isn't even moving - either the power steering is struggling, or something is coming in contact with one of the fans when the drag link is moving.
It almost sounds like the exhaust is rattling against something, but I can't see how that would be triggered by turning the wheel.

 

It does sound like the exhaust is hitting the frame somewhere.
Loose steering box?

Have you had someone turn the wheel while you get under there and listen?

 

Well I just found a leak in the power steering hose and my fluid was empty so I need to get that fixed. I hope that will fix the rattle but it still doesn't sound like a typical low power steering fluid whine. I'm gonna get the hose fixed and go from there.

 

Look again at the sway bar links, they completely snap but are hard to see where.

Hey, I see I just made 1500 posts. woo hoo.

 

Look at your engine mounts and trans mount. Here also:

 

That is weird. It really sounds like vibrating exhaust pipes. It really is happening when failing power steering pump happens.

 

You can't expect the traditional power steering whine if you've got a ruptured hose. The traditional sound is from the pump running dry and pushing air, in your case the pump is running dry, but the system is no longer pressurized. It's still not the sound I'd expect, so it would be a very good idea to investigate the possibilities mentioned here:
- Sway bar links
- Engine/tranny mount
- Steering box bracket