85XJ85

i have 1997 xj 4x4. i recently installed a RC 4.5" lift and immediately after the front passenger side of the jeep has started making loud popping noises when going over bumps. i changed all the TRE and installed new track bar and steering stabilizer. everything is torqued down. i also changed the ball joints. anyone know what it could be? thanks

kyle96xj

Control arm bushings maybe.

texastaz38

You say you installed a new track bar so did you recenter the front axle? Reason I ask is that prior to re-centering the front axle my passenger side coil spring was rubbing and hanging up on the bump stop. Made every crazy noise you could imagine. If you already re-centered the axle, I don't have a clue. Make sure your coil spring retainer clip has been re-attached to the bottom of the coils so they are not jumping out of the coil spring pocket.

TexasTaz38
86 XJ 2 door
2.5 Liter, 4 speed
3" RC lift, bastard pack

Happy Jeepin'

85XJ85

The lower control arms are new. Maybe its the upper arms but highly doubt it though. The springs are seated correctly and the tab thingy is in place. It sounds like the sound is coming from the wheel.

85XJ85

And yes I did recenter the axle.

texastaz38

A popping sound is generally caused by the loading of a suspension part and then the sudden release of loading such as a abrupt bump. Does it do it both turning over a bump and in a straight line bump?

You might jack the front of the xj up and put stands under the frame with the front tires completely off the ground, then with a floor jack, lift the passenger side up, simulating a flex motion looking for any area of bind or rubbing. Once at a compressed position, release the floor jack as quickly as possible and see if the popping noise can be re-created.

While jacked up, check for free play in the wheel, as in a bad wheel bearing. Even the slightest slack will be amplified with the lift leverage.

Sounds like you've done a good job on the install so I'm somewhat baffled. I'm going to follow this thread to see what you come up with. Keep us posted.

Happy Jeepin'

TexasTaz38
86 XJ 2 door
2.5 Liter, 4 speed
3" RC lift, bastard pack

texastaz38

One more kind of goofy thought and I'll shut up. Depending on what wheels your running, check the center cap of the wheel. Sometimes they are loose and only move over bumps. Not usually a pop but more of a nuisance rattle. Simple fix is to remove the wheel and put a large o-ring or rubberband around the base of the cap and reinstall.

Obviously, wheel spacers appropriately torqued and wheel lugs torqued as well.

Don't know the answer, just throwing stuff against the wall to see if it'll stick. lol

Happy Jeepin'

XJlimitedx99

Did you torque everything with the vehicle supporting its own weight?

The suspension torque specs are designed to put a certain preload on the bushings that counter the forces of the weight of the vehicle deforming the bushings. If they're torqued while the vehicle is not supporting it's own weight the bushings will have too much force squeezing them and not allow for the proper range of motion.

Nick Merrion

Doespecially it make the noise when you pull the steering wheel back and forth wile stopped? Could be some bad tie rod ends

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

post some pics of that side. Maybe we can spot something out of place

85XJ85

All tie rod ends are new. I even took out the shock on that side of the vehicle to see if maybe I have a bad shock. Still makes the noise.

dans98xj

maybe the sway bar end links are shot. i had a sound similar and it ended up being that. Or it could be the sway bar bushings on the frame giving some play as the suspension cycles.

85XJ85

My front sway bar is completely off the jeep. Today when backing out of my spot in reverse I can make the pop noise by tapping the brakes. Wonder WTF it is!?!?!

Thanks for all the comments!

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

Please list everything you have checked and confirmed are not the cause so we have an idea what direction to go

kyle96xj

Could be a broken caliper bolt? Might want to pull the brakes apart.