1998 4.0, all stock, 4x4

Seems to happen mostly when turning left and is more noticeable at slower speeds. It started very subtle and recently got very loud. I went under and gave a very quick visual inspection and didn't see anything. I plan to get more in depth tomorrow but can you recommend where I start looking?

Also the jeep is in need of shocks but I don't think this is associated with this.

 

probably a ball joint

 

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the reply.

 

Just went out and looked at them. They look fine. Boots are still intact. I'm going to have my wife turn the wheel while I am under tomorrow.

 

I would start with jacking the front off the ground and put it on jack stands. Then, grab the wheels at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and push and pull on the top and bottom and see if there is and movement. If there is then there is your problem if there is not any movement then ball joints are not the problem.

 

that kind of play could also be a bad wheel bearing though

 

I will thank you.

It's pretty loud sitting in the cab so I'm confident I'll be able to see/hear where it's coming from too.

 

if not ball joints, how about rods ends on drag link and tie rod ? when you got your XJ on jacks stands, check these also....

 

u-joint possibly, do you feel it in the steering wheel>?

 

Will do, thank you.

No don't really feel it in the wheel but I'll check the axle u joints while I'm there. I was also under the impression that bad axle u-joints make a clicking sound when they go bad and is most noticeable during sharp turns. This clunk happens with just a little turning of the wheel to the left.

 

If it only happens while driving and turning then mrshaft is right it could be a u-joint. And Cane, my bad it could also be a wheel bearing if you have that type of vertical movement so just make sure if it has play to then verify what is moving.

 

No, it happens if you're stopped as well and start turning the wheel to the left.

 

check your track bar, both the frame end and where it meets the axle.

 

Great, thank you.

 

Jacked it up and shook the tire at 12 and 6 (and in every direction) it is solid, no movement. I did notice that I was able to move the sway bar from side to side. The links were replaced a couple of years ago and seem ok. I am correct in assuming that I shouldn't able to do that to the sway bar? That maybe the rubber in those clamps are worn out.

Still haven't been able to get a helper to turn the wheel and duplicate the sound. That should happen soon though.