Front End Clunking
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 207
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 6
Front End Clunking
I've got clunking noises in my front end when I turn the steering wheel left or right. Not when goin straight down the road, mostly slow speed when parking, etc. Sometimes when making turns on streets, too. Feels close to under my feet. It's a 93 XJ 4x4. Any ideas? Thanks.
Last edited by spencersausser; 04-14-2008 at 05:18 PM. Reason: Additional Info
#3
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 19
From: Kalkaska, Michigan
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Yep track bar bracket and also check the track bar tie rod end and the lower track bar bolt that can cause you to feel the "Clunk" through the floor under your feet..
#5
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 207
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 6
U-joints in the axle shafts, correct? I know the steering shaft has u-joints also but, I assume you're talking about the 260 u-joints. I will check out the bolts on the track bar and tie rod.
#7
Loose control arms radiate through the floor as well. If you have wheeled it much check all the control arm bolts. I have found that they can get loose and make noise. Hope you get r fixt!!
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#8
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 207
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 6
Thanks for the info so far. Extra info I just thought of. It didn't start clunking until I put the Daystar 1 3/4 inch lift spacers and shocks in the front. I don't think this should have effected the steering because the noise only happens when I'm turning the steering wheel, however, cosxjfan makes a point with the control arms. Sometimes it feels like the clunking is coming from under my feet approx. where the frame mount for the control arm is. Other times, the noise is up front somewhere.
#10
one thing to check is the sway bar bushings under the bumper near the radiator. They are known to wear out and clunk on bumps and turns. Check the link bushings and main bar bushings. You can simply disconnect them and see if it stops clunking then you'll know.
#11
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 207
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 6
After looking underneath a little and grabbing the tie rod, man, there was a lot of movement and I think that's the problem. I would like to replace it anyway and had planned to do so. Any thoughts on the Rugged Ridge heavy duty replacement or should I just get the ZJ V8 tie rod assembly? My plan is to go no bigger than 32's.
#12
I was planning on the RR setup until I decided on going with currie. The RR setup is great for 4" or less but once you get beyond that it starts to create problems with twisting. So consider that.
#13
i just had my grand cherokee checked out by a different dealer. the problem was a bushing that was on the front differential. it wasn't anything that could be seen by just visually inspecting, they had to remove the parts of the front axle. mine was broken off (don't ask why cause i don't know). now there's no clunking. it's about a 7 hour job.
#14
i just had my grand cherokee checked out by a different dealer. the problem was a bushing that was on the front differential. it wasn't anything that could be seen by just visually inspecting, they had to remove the parts of the front axle. mine was broken off (don't ask why cause i don't know). now there's no clunking. it's about a 7 hour job.
#15
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 377
Likes: 2
From: Grand Junction, Colorado
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
i just had my grand cherokee checked out by a different dealer. the problem was a bushing that was on the front differential. it wasn't anything that could be seen by just visually inspecting, they had to remove the parts of the front axle. mine was broken off (don't ask why cause i don't know). now there's no clunking. it's about a 7 hour job.