Things to check for a front end clunk?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
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From: Lewisville, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
My 01 started making a very noticeable clunk tonight from the passenger side when going over any kind of bump.
Upper and lower arms/bushings are new, sway bar bushings/links are new, all TRE's are new except for the drag link itself, tie rod and track bar are new. All new parts are from IRO. Gonna jack it up in the morning and wiggle the tire to see if the ball joints or hub are bad. Am I forgetting anything that could cause it? Also if the ball joints or hub are bad would it be safe to drive on the highway for about an hour before replacing them?
Thanks in advance
EDIT: forgot to add that coils and shocks are new as well (OME)
Upper and lower arms/bushings are new, sway bar bushings/links are new, all TRE's are new except for the drag link itself, tie rod and track bar are new. All new parts are from IRO. Gonna jack it up in the morning and wiggle the tire to see if the ball joints or hub are bad. Am I forgetting anything that could cause it? Also if the ball joints or hub are bad would it be safe to drive on the highway for about an hour before replacing them?
Thanks in advance
EDIT: forgot to add that coils and shocks are new as well (OME)
Last edited by TheMayer; Jan 10, 2014 at 11:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6

Im not sure what this black ring is, but it doesnt look like it is supposed to be sticking out from the "C" like it is. The driver side one is flush. Im really hoping this doesn't mean I have snapped an axle shaft. Especially when I haven't even had a damn drive shaft on the front end for a while now.
Last edited by TheMayer; Jan 11, 2014 at 02:42 PM.
After lifting mine i developed clunking as well. I noticed my sway bar bushings are completely shot so I'm guessing its part of the clunking and the other is probably my control arm bushings... If I'm in 4H it will clunk in reverse like the axle has some rotational play in it. I'll get around to it sooner or later so subbing to see what you find.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
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From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
When you hear the clunk lightly apply the brakes. If the clunk goes away it means it's the brake pads rattling on the steering knuckle.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
After lifting mine i developed clunking as well. I noticed my sway bar bushings are completely shot so I'm guessing its part of the clunking and the other is probably my control arm bushings... If I'm in 4H it will clunk in reverse like the axle has some rotational play in it. I'll get around to it sooner or later so subbing to see what you find.
Good luck!
Good luck!
I did a check over the control arm bushings, and the sway bar bushings/links, and the shock bolts. Jacked it up and wiggled the tire, no play in any direction so I guess that rules out ball joints and wheel bearings.
Hopefully your bushings are the cause of your clunking!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
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From: Lewisville, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
This just goes to show how something so small could make you go insane thinking it's something serious.
My clunk was the jam nut on the passenger LCA coming loose. Tightened it back up with some channel locks and it's completely gone. I feel like an idiot for not noticing it, but I'm glad it was something like that.
Thanks for all y'all's help
My clunk was the jam nut on the passenger LCA coming loose. Tightened it back up with some channel locks and it's completely gone. I feel like an idiot for not noticing it, but I'm glad it was something like that.
Thanks for all y'all's help
This just goes to show how something so small could make you go insane thinking it's something serious.
My clunk was the jam nut on the passenger LCA coming loose. Tightened it back up with some channel locks and it's completely gone. I feel like an idiot for not noticing it, but I'm glad it was something like that.
Thanks for all y'all's help
My clunk was the jam nut on the passenger LCA coming loose. Tightened it back up with some channel locks and it's completely gone. I feel like an idiot for not noticing it, but I'm glad it was something like that.
Thanks for all y'all's help




