jsohway

So my xj started to make a popping sound when I slow down and turn, sometimes when I hit bumps. I can't figure out what it is and its starting to concern me. I don't want something to be wrong with my front suspension and have it break on my 7 hour drive next week. If anyone can help me try to narrow it down I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Outlaw Star

First check all your control arm bushings, track bar mounts, bearings, ball joints and knuckle joints. Let us know what you find and we'll take it from there.

jsohway

Haven't had a chance to crawl under the beast yet, been working a lot. I narrowed down what side it is coming from so hopefully that will make it easier to locate. If the weather is nice this weekend I'll be under it for sure.

unidentifiedbomb

Mine does this once in a while, usually can tighten the frame track bar bolt a hair and it's gone.

cjfrigo

X2

anarce

Mine did this for a while. I kept checking and tightening things but never found the source. I had it in the shop for transmission problems, and they said they found some of the track bar bracket to the frame bolts were loose and tightened those. I haven't heard the popping noise since then. Definitely check out the track bar.

xjmachine

is it a constant popping? or just one pop when u turn

jsohway

I'll check the track bar later today if I can. And its just one pop when I turn and sometimes when I hit bumps

xjmachine

i think it could be your steering stabilizer. they come a little loose and they will move n pop n when u turn

ZINGGG

My money is on the track bar mount bolts too

XJCherokee182

my 98 does the exact same thing

jsohway

so I checked my track bar, all good. Then I checked tie rod and ends, good there too. Checked mt drop pitman arm, no movement. It sounds like its coming from the drivers side and I can feel it in the floor board when it pops. So far I can't figure out where it's coming from. I've checked what I can think of but now I'm stuck.

xjmachine

have someone turn the wheel when youre parked and while they are inspect the front suspension . im sure youll find it right away

jsohway

That was the next plan, I'm going to have someone do it this weekend. The thing is I've only heard it while driving so I'm not sure if I'll hear it when its parked.

unidentifiedbomb

Might be the frame mount where the track bar mounts to, check for any play