Vanderburgh

After searching, I see lots of threads on noises regarding suspension etc, but how about a strange clanking, clink, snap sometimes grinding noise, sometimes spring-popping noise right up near where the steering wheel mounts to the steering column. Its not all the time, as sometimes it's completely silent.

It's when I turn the wheel, and mostly on slow speeds.

Any ideas? I ran across a Dodge truck thread on another forum that sounds similar, but I have not found any Jeep owners with the issue.

Any thoughts? Don't want to replace the whole steering column.

partemisio

It sounds like it is probably your clock spring. Is the airbag light on?

Bustedback

No clock spring on an 89 Jeep. Could be a bad bearing or just a funky turn signal switch. No way of knowing without pulling the wheel off and taking a look.

partemisio

You're right, I didn't look at his signature.

dave1123

I don't know if this helps, but older GM cars had a carbon brush horn ring contact and when the brush wore down, the spring would pop out and ride on the contact ring.

Vanderburgh

Forgot to change my sig.
I just bought an 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9.

Does this change your suggestions?
Thanks for your help.
Eddie

Bustedback

Then it could be the clock spring.

Vanderburgh

Thanks for your help. It does feel more like a structural clank when it happens.
I feel it right through the whole steering column and steering wheel. It's a big spring popping noise, not a small plastic spring sound...

dave1123

I had the same problem with a Chevy truck. It was the bearings in the steering box. You can check that by jacking up the front end and using a stethoscope with the engine off. Have someone turn the wheels lock to lock while you listen to the box.

My truck took a shot to the box from a rock which shattered some of the reciprocating ***** in it. It didn't make noise all the time depending on where those ***** were in the track.

Vanderburgh

Thanks for all your time.

rizmonkey

I would have your drag link checked out. It could be worn out and be very dangerous. A bad drag link will give a popping sound when turning as well as a gap in the turning of the wheel like there's no friction then it will catch again. It just happened to my 2001 GC and it was really bad and I would have lost all steering if it had broke.

RIZ