Jason082

I have this squeaking/creaking noise coming from the drivers side front wheel area. Anyone know what it could be?
Brakes are new so I know it's not that, any opinions are appreciated. My buddy seems to think it could be the sway bar bushings or links.

Jason

jeep93

Hi,
All I can tell is that when I first got mine (cherokee xj 1998) it was squeaking and creaking really loudly up front going over pot holes ,and especially when turning. Got underneath and noticed that the bushes on my tie rod ends and draglink arm were completely flat and squashed. Jacked the jeep up to take the weight off the front wheels and tried to pump the bushes full of grease, but it just burst out through the bushes - they were completely dead.
Bought 3 or 4 new bushes from ebay (about £20), and it was an easy job to replace them (apart from fighting with rusty siezed parts). New bushes on - squeaking and groaning gone!. I think it was caused by metal rubbing on metal after the bushes failed?.
Thats just my experience.. so your buddy could be right. Mabye someone else here who has more experience than me can tell you more. Hope this helps.

jcwclm

Could be ball joints or previously stated.

Jason082

Thanks, I looked under at the sway bar bushings and they are completely dried up and cracked. Hopefully replacing these will not stop the noise.

2K1XJ

My 2001 squeaked on the front driver's side as well...mostly whenever I turned or hit a bump. Discovered it was a loose track bar. The aftermarket track bar has poly or rubber bushings that ride on the met brackets and can squeak if the get loose. Once I tightened mine up, the annoying squeak went away. Its free so its worth a try...Good Luck!

Jason082

Wow turns out it's actually coming from the left rear and it looks like the E-brake is screwed up and the drum brake also.
Gonna tear it apart tomorrow and actually see if that is the issue.

south599

Did you ever fix or figure out what was wrong? I have the same issue a creaking noise coming from the passenger rear drum brake. most noticable under braking. and loudest at slow speeds mostly when brakes are lightly applied. just replaced the shoes and springs. backing plate seems to be straight and not warped.