dtruesdell

I recently bought a 2001 XJ. All has been good but I began to hear a sound yesterday that I have no clue what it is. It is a squeaking/creaking metal type sound. It kind of even sounds like a crunching. I was on a back road some rocks and big ruts on my way to a fishing spot when I began to hear, which makes me think it is some suspension component. I hear it when I go over bumps and sometimes lightly when I break. It sounds like it is coming from the rear end of the car.
I attached a video, it is very hard to hear but it might give some insight. The last 25 seconds is when it is most clear. I also put up a picture of the truck just because.
I have looked for similar posts and seen that it could possibly be a track bar or bushing ends. I do not know much about cars so, which is why I am asking here. However, I am making a new post because I have a video and because it wasn't there two days ago.
What should I be looking for? and what could I possibly do myself if there is the problem you propose?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyBI...ature=youtu.be

Thanks

bada$$91xj

have you checked all your sway bar bushings links and mounts to frame,shock bushing,control arm bushings.

ShadowXJ

Hard to hear it in your video so I'm not exactly sure what sound you are referring to but front shocks are a real good place to start looking. If possible borrow something like a GO-Pro and rig in to look into your wheel well while you drive slowly over some bumps. You could even do the test by driving over a couple of 2x4s spaced out in your driveway or a little used street near your home. See if you can see the shock move or over compress in conjunction with the noise when you shoot the video.

BwanaBob

Really nice looking Jeep. Looks like it has a little lift.

If your 2001 has a rear sway bar, check for worn bushings where
it attaches to the frame and also in its links to the axle.

When you go over uneven ground, the axle will want to go up on
one side. The sway bar is there to resist that movement and push
the axle back down to keep the vehicle level. Vice versa on the
other side. When the bushings get worn you can get click-clack
rubbing noises.

Leaf springs can also be noisy in themselves, especially if the
several clips that keep the leaf packs in place are gone or loose.

Other things to check are a loose leaf spring bolt, loose shock bolt,
loose u-bolt (that holds the spring pack to the axle), or a crack in
the 4 areas where the leaf springs attach to the frame.

You may also have a gas line or e-brake cable that is out of place
and hitting the frame. Dedicate a nice piece of 1/4"" plywood to lie
down on when you get under your Jeep.