Rhythmic Front End Noise '98 ZJ 5.9L
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Joined: May 2019
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From: California
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 5.9
Rhythmic Front End Noise '98 ZJ 5.9L
Hi, and thanks in advance for any information.
I have a fairly fully built-out ZJ that I bought that way, for the most part. Recently had a wild steering issue (that had been there since I bought it) partially tamed by having the front upper control arms dialed back to where they should have been, but the steering is still quite questionable.
Anyway, hidden under that issue was the issue that the front end makes a bit of a thwapping sound that is in time with the tire rotation that comes and goes to a degree, sounding somewhat like a tread or belt separating, but the tires are all pretty new KO2s (33s). Sometimes it is much louder and almost sounds metallic, sometimes almost nonexistent. I find nothing wrong with either tire (sounds more left than right), I have no unusual tread wear (despite the steering issue, I've never had any unusual tire wear) and, for the most part, I don't feel the problem via the brake.
I've had MANY mechanics look at it for the steering issue and a lot of things were done to it, but no one has suggested the build was incorrectly done or there's something to be concerned about (despite the fact that I'm the one who figured out the control arm issue) On the other hand, I've clearly had mechanics who completely missed certain things or misdiagnosed things and replaced/repaired things that didn't change anything other than the size of my bank account, so I'm at a pretty big loss as to how to think about anything on the Jeep when I can't trust anyone.
Two other factors: death wobble? Yes, plenty of it. And I know the viscous coupler was removed (in fact, it won't go into 4-wheel unless I have put the vehicle into neutral and turned off the engine).
Bearings, axle, evil spirits?
My greatest fear is that something is going to suddenly snap or lock up on me hard...
Thoughts?
I have a fairly fully built-out ZJ that I bought that way, for the most part. Recently had a wild steering issue (that had been there since I bought it) partially tamed by having the front upper control arms dialed back to where they should have been, but the steering is still quite questionable.
Anyway, hidden under that issue was the issue that the front end makes a bit of a thwapping sound that is in time with the tire rotation that comes and goes to a degree, sounding somewhat like a tread or belt separating, but the tires are all pretty new KO2s (33s). Sometimes it is much louder and almost sounds metallic, sometimes almost nonexistent. I find nothing wrong with either tire (sounds more left than right), I have no unusual tread wear (despite the steering issue, I've never had any unusual tire wear) and, for the most part, I don't feel the problem via the brake.
I've had MANY mechanics look at it for the steering issue and a lot of things were done to it, but no one has suggested the build was incorrectly done or there's something to be concerned about (despite the fact that I'm the one who figured out the control arm issue) On the other hand, I've clearly had mechanics who completely missed certain things or misdiagnosed things and replaced/repaired things that didn't change anything other than the size of my bank account, so I'm at a pretty big loss as to how to think about anything on the Jeep when I can't trust anyone.
Two other factors: death wobble? Yes, plenty of it. And I know the viscous coupler was removed (in fact, it won't go into 4-wheel unless I have put the vehicle into neutral and turned off the engine).
Bearings, axle, evil spirits?
My greatest fear is that something is going to suddenly snap or lock up on me hard...
Thoughts?
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