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Trouble identifying steering pop noise?????

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Old 04-26-2018, 06:37 PM
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Default Trouble identifying steering pop noise?????

Hey all,

I'm getting a pop near the upper double sheer track bar, but I can't for the life of me find out what it is.

I've videoed it numerous angles, engine bay, underneath, in the wheel well. I cant see any unusual movement, but it pops like crazy on far right or left turns.

can a steering box pop?
Old 04-26-2018, 07:10 PM
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Its probably the aluminum spacer that mounts to the steering box. Common to crack and make popping noises as it flexes.
Old 04-26-2018, 07:15 PM
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What's really getting me is it sounds really close to where the track bar mount is.

I figure I can try dropping the track bar tonight then I can try removing the steering pump see if that spacers cracked.

it's multiple pops, 2-3 right, then if I turn opposite right when they stop I can get 2-3 again.
Old 04-26-2018, 08:03 PM
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Try tightening the track bar.

MH

Last edited by moparhemi; 04-27-2018 at 02:19 PM.
Old 04-26-2018, 08:27 PM
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I would check the sway bar links first - they are easy to check and definitely make popping noises if the nut is not tight enough on the bushings. Like you I was chasing a popping noise when turning. The sway bar links looked tight enough, but I decided to tighten them some more before moving onto the more expensive suspension parts. And it worked, noise gone.
Old 04-26-2018, 08:31 PM
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..... coincidentally enough i just got finished tightening my track bar id start there first
Old 04-26-2018, 08:59 PM
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x2 - tighten the sway bar and track bar hardware and if nothing improves, check for a cracked mount. Actually, check for cracks on the track bar mounting points as well.
Old 04-26-2018, 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by OldTires
I would check the sway bar links first - they are easy to check and definitely make popping noises if the nut is not tight enough on the bushings. Like you I was chasing a popping noise when turning. The sway bar links looked tight enough, but I decided to tighten them some more before moving onto the more expensive suspension parts. And it worked, noise gone.
i disconnected the sway bars thinking they were uneven, this didnt help.
I then dropped the frame side trac bar and this quieted the sound immensely, but there was still the very faintest pop when turning. not nearly as loud, nor as many pops.

ill check further for cracks, and i did tighten the sway bar down, im going to wrench it down one more time and test it.

something here has got to be starring me in the face. both ends are johnny joint so it should flex as needed while turning, I greased Everything as well.
the mount and trac bar are a brand new, tier 4 core 4x4 set up.
Old 04-26-2018, 10:57 PM
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Found something interesting that's got me a little freaked out can anyone tell me if this is normal for these not to have nuts on them?


Old 04-26-2018, 11:00 PM
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Passenger side has two nuts missing one, driver has one!!!!!! This can be Normal is it???? What size are these?
Old 04-26-2018, 11:11 PM
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Can you push the bolts? Are they just holding the dust guard?

If they're loose (there may be threads in the body you can't see) then take one out and hit the hardware store for some washers and nuts.

When I bought my Jeep I was replacing the belt adjuster and discovered one of the alternator bolts was completely missing.. I had driven it 2 hours home like that and it was fine.
Old 04-26-2018, 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 4x4jeepmanthing
Passenger side has two nuts missing one, driver has one!!!!!! This can be Normal is it???? What size are these?
What are they attached to? Can't tell from the photos.
Old 04-27-2018, 12:13 AM
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They are welded to the wheel well frame rail

Last edited by 4x4jeepmanthing; 04-27-2018 at 01:20 AM.
Old 04-27-2018, 02:07 PM
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Mine had a popping noise coming coming the same spot and it was the driver's side frame rail rubbing up against the folded piece of metal that comes down in the front. I welded a big ol plate there and it sort of fixed it but still when the steering system is on a lot of load it torques it and pops... I'm going to try to fix that with a steering box brace.
Old 04-28-2018, 07:00 AM
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Check steering box brace, factory pens are junk
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