mike96xj

purchased another Jeep Cherokee (94) loving it so far except. when i turn right or left i hear this popping sound. i figured it was bad ball joiints took it to les schwab and they're telling me MAYBE a bad steering box. went to meineke and they tell me worn ball joints. so before i pay for a repair on the wrong diagnosis id like to see what you guys may have in mind. any help is appreciated!!

Gee oh Dee

Could be either. Could also be axle u joints.

freegdr

my first thought is why go to a muffler shop for steering issue ???? go to a alingment shop might help,all the thing mentioned could cause a popping sound .

mike96xj

which shop did i go to for mufflers?

Gee oh Dee

Meineke.

thakmfb

I have heard more ball joints pop and squeak then a steering box for what it worth. Also if you want to check them yourself, jack the truck up by the axle one side at a time until the wheel is off of the ground and give the wheel a goo shake at the 12 and 6 and see if you feel any play

mike96xj

ending up going back to another les schwab for a more thorough check. they told me i have a crack in my drivelink bracket. (even showed me where the crack was) still waiting on a quote though.

Ender

Where is that exactly? I don't think I've every inspected mine.

mike96xj

not to sure how to describe it. above front axle attached to the drag link?

Gee oh Dee

The axle side control arm mount?

That'll be a fun weld.

scheetz_21

my cherokee does this also..its the steering gear box. it does the sound when not moving and turn wheel back and forth also.. lol

Gee oh Dee

How did you confirm its the steering box?