BLACK98LAREDO

I just bought a 98 Grand Cherokee Laredo sure its beat up but im happy I saved it from the scrapyard! It has a lot of front end noise grinding/poppong/clunking but it runs and its a JEEP! Wondering If there is a few people that can offer some knowledge and help me get this beast running better! It seems like the noise gets worse when turning, I don't seem to notice any difference in 2wd/4wd/awd/hi/lo from what I've read it can be a number of things wheel/hub bearings, differentials, transfer case, stabilzer something or others, brake rotor dust covers. It seems there are soo many issues with the front end on these so before I drop $500-$1000 bucks in new parts for a $100 jeep I would really like to get some knowledge from all of you. Where should I begin?

troy fritz

Jack it up and start pulling and pushing on all suspension parts to find looseness if theres play in anything then thats what you replace. Also grab the top and bottom of the tires when off the ground and try to wiggle them, if you have play then it's the hub's. Check the ball joints too.

TheycallmeSDZ

If it makes alot of noise when turning, check those front axles.
Its pretty common on our trucks.

00jeepXJ

jack the front up and wiggle the tires top and bottom as stated. Also look at the the wheel joint ( u-joint in the steering knuckle). If it seems like there is a lot of powdered rust on it then replace. Like said before push and pull and wiggle all the suspension on the front end.

Bustedback

Check the track bar and control arm bushings for cracking and looseness.

Karilarica

It's driving me crazy and the worst part is that when I go to the mechanics they seem not to find anything wrong!
I've got a Grand Cherokee Limited '97 ZJ and she would only make this horrible grinding noise as I turn her to the left mostly during through a McDonald's drive through or a roundabout on the road or in a mall parking lot or in a gas station!
Anywhere else she won't make that noise. I'm about to videotape to show it to the mechanics who don't believe what I say...!


Does anyone know what could it possibly be making this noise?

Thank you in advance!

eezing

Is your ZJ a 4x4? Is it a clicking sort of grind noise? If so, it is most likely that your CV joints are bad. I had the noise described above when turning on my 96 ZJ. I replaced the axle assemblies and the issue was resolved.

If it is the CV joints, just buy a new axle assembly for each side. Don't bother fixing your current assemblies. It's not that much cheaper and it's way more work.

Karilarica

Yes it's a 4x4. And the grinding noise sounds like two plates of metal rubbing against each other. This will only happen during sharp left turns without applying brakes to take them.
Thanks!

BLACK98LAREDO

Someone told me this zj could have either cv-axles or u-joint axles. Can anyone tell me which it is to resolve my confusion?

eezing

ZJ's have CV joints.