rear suspension random clunking noise
Greetings to my fellow XJ Jeepsters,

I have a puzzling problem with my 1999 XJ sport and I hope some of you can help me solve it. I am going to do my best to describe symptoms.
Right rear suspension random clunking noise.
While driving my XJ I am now encountering a random clunking noise on the right rear suspension.
It is not the wheel bearing, I have new rear shocks, I don’t hear the clunk on smooth surface roads, or light bumps or if I creep over rail tracks.
However, I will hear the clunking when I go over dips in the road – which makes me think I might need new leaf spring Bushings or something? --- but my mechanic had the XJ on the lift and did not identify it – and he is very good about writing a laundry list of things that he would like to do “of course on my dime”.
So with the above written I appreciate and thank everybody in advance for their thoughts on issue

I have a puzzling problem with my 1999 XJ sport and I hope some of you can help me solve it. I am going to do my best to describe symptoms.
Right rear suspension random clunking noise.
While driving my XJ I am now encountering a random clunking noise on the right rear suspension.
It is not the wheel bearing, I have new rear shocks, I don’t hear the clunk on smooth surface roads, or light bumps or if I creep over rail tracks.
However, I will hear the clunking when I go over dips in the road – which makes me think I might need new leaf spring Bushings or something? --- but my mechanic had the XJ on the lift and did not identify it – and he is very good about writing a laundry list of things that he would like to do “of course on my dime”.

So with the above written I appreciate and thank everybody in advance for their thoughts on issue
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 766
Likes: 5
From: Los Angeles, CA
Year: 1989 Limited
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I-6 4.0L AMC Renix
Bump stops could be worn. Mine are and on dips in the road the suspension will bottom out and clunk loudly. Rear ones are on the underbody and are rectangles, front ones are inside the coils on the top side of the spring.
Any other thoughts from folks
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 766
Likes: 5
From: Los Angeles, CA
Year: 1989 Limited
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I-6 4.0L AMC Renix
Yeah. Could be the rubber exhaust dampener (or whatever it's called) behind the rear axle. But replacing front bump stops is a bit of a hassle as you have to use a spring compressor to get to it.
Last edited by LiamLikeNeeson; May 4, 2016 at 05:12 PM.
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CF Veteran

Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Greetings to my fellow XJ Jeepsters,
I have a puzzling problem with my 1999 XJ sport and I hope some of you can help me solve it. I am going to do my best to describe symptoms. Right rear suspension random clunking noise. While driving my XJ I am now encountering a random clunking noise on the right rear suspension. It is not the wheel bearing, I have new rear shocks, I dont hear the clunk on smooth surface roads, or light bumps or if I creep over rail tracks. However, I will hear the clunking when I go over dips in the road which makes me think I might need new leaf spring Bushings or something? --- but my mechanic had the XJ on the lift and did not identify it and he is very good about writing a laundry list of things that he would like to do of course on my dime.
So with the above written I appreciate and thank everybody in advance for their thoughts on issue
I have a puzzling problem with my 1999 XJ sport and I hope some of you can help me solve it. I am going to do my best to describe symptoms. Right rear suspension random clunking noise. While driving my XJ I am now encountering a random clunking noise on the right rear suspension. It is not the wheel bearing, I have new rear shocks, I dont hear the clunk on smooth surface roads, or light bumps or if I creep over rail tracks. However, I will hear the clunking when I go over dips in the road which makes me think I might need new leaf spring Bushings or something? --- but my mechanic had the XJ on the lift and did not identify it and he is very good about writing a laundry list of things that he would like to do of course on my dime.
So with the above written I appreciate and thank everybody in advance for their thoughts on issue
I have this same problem but not with dips in the road. When I go over bumpy pavement something is banging/slapping around. Also seems like the right side rear. I was told to check shock mounts and leaf spring. I wish you luck because I'm sure it drives you crazy as it does for me. Someone suggested the leaf springs may actually be slapping against each other. I hope you figure it out, and if you do, let me know what it was. Lol
I have this same problem but not with dips in the road. When I go over bumpy pavement something is banging/slapping around. Also seems like the right side rear. I was told to check shock mounts and leaf spring. I wish you luck because I'm sure it drives you crazy as it does for me. Someone suggested the leaf springs may actually be slapping against each other. I hope you figure it out, and if you do, let me know what it was. Lol
Did you ever figure this out? I kind have a similar noise. But is yours more Audible or Felt? I can kinda feel mine more than hear a clunk.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 2
From: Quebec
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
i have so many sounds in the rear. when in traffic and slowly removing my foot from the brake, i have a distinct squeak noise. in my driveway when i rock the jeep back and forth with my hands i can hear the springs squeaking.
then when I get over bumps i get a clunking, right or left doesn't matter, happens more on the driver side though. the clunking is also not always the same, making me think I might have different things going on.
i know i have pretty large gaps between my leaf springs, so i bought new replacement and i'll then go from there to see what sounds persist.
i also suspect my shackle bushings of making squeaking sounds.
then when I get over bumps i get a clunking, right or left doesn't matter, happens more on the driver side though. the clunking is also not always the same, making me think I might have different things going on.
i know i have pretty large gaps between my leaf springs, so i bought new replacement and i'll then go from there to see what sounds persist.
i also suspect my shackle bushings of making squeaking sounds.
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