Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Front End Clunking

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-14-2008 | 05:13 PM
  #1  
spencersausser's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 6
Default 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
Old 04-14-2008 | 05:19 PM
  #2  
Kyle's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 5
Model: Cherokee
Default

Check to make sure that your tracbar bracket is very tight.
Old 04-14-2008 | 07:03 PM
  #3  
nick_n_ii's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 19
From: Kalkaska, Michigan
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

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..
Old 04-14-2008 | 09:02 PM
  #4  
jeeptech's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Osceola, In.
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Badly worn/worn out u-joints will make large noises while turning also.
Old 04-15-2008 | 08:44 AM
  #5  
spencersausser's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 6
Default

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.
Old 04-15-2008 | 11:31 AM
  #6  
Kyle's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 5
Model: Cherokee
Default

Yes the u-joints in the axle shafts.
Old 04-15-2008 | 01:35 PM
  #7  
COSXJFAN's Avatar
Do you hear banjos?
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,644
Likes: 6
Model: Cherokee
Default

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!!
Old 04-15-2008 | 02:23 PM
  #8  
spencersausser's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 6
Default

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.
Old 04-15-2008 | 02:26 PM
  #9  
COSXJFAN's Avatar
Do you hear banjos?
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,644
Likes: 6
Model: Cherokee
Default

Are you using stock control arms? I had a set the popped off of the bushing that is pressed into the end. I abused them pretty hard, but I could feel it in the floorboard like crazy!!
Old 04-15-2008 | 04:45 PM
  #10  
muddeprived's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,883
Likes: 6
From: W-PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

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.
Old 04-16-2008 | 09:18 PM
  #11  
spencersausser's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 6
Default

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.
Old 04-16-2008 | 09:24 PM
  #12  
Kyle's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 5
Model: Cherokee
Default

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.
Old 01-03-2009 | 01:39 AM
  #13  
grndcherokee05's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default

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.
Old 01-03-2009 | 01:44 AM
  #14  
muddeprived's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,883
Likes: 6
From: W-PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by grndcherokee05
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.
Control arm bushing?
Old 01-03-2009 | 01:46 AM
  #15  
99xjlove's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 377
Likes: 2
From: Grand Junction, Colorado
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by grndcherokee05
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.
???????????? Seven hours for anything to do with a clunk in the front end is rediculous! I had a similar problem but solved it a whole different way that is totally unexpected and no one mentioned it in this thread. If anyone wants to know what my clunking was caused by, drop me a PM and i'll tell you. As for the RR steering set up, I have been running it for about a month now with a set of upper swaybar bushings shaved down for spacers. I'm at 5.5" with a RE Long Arm setup and It is semi stable but floats on the road under hard exceleration and hard breaking. If you drive normal then there are no problems with it IMO


Quick Reply: Front End Clunking



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:22 PM.