Zack_09

Just got a 1999 cherokee 225kq 4x4 miles it has a front end noise sounds kind of like big at tires going down the road, previous owner lifted it 2in. It happens at all speeds. I do know when braking the jeep wanders bad left and right. One sway bar bracket bolt is missing for some reason. Any ideas on where to start? I just hope it's brakes and not a pinion/diff issue. On another note got it cheap and has barely any rust and an immaculate interior.

awg

I hate to be the one to break the news to ya, but you will have to go right through the front end and see whats what.

Expect to replace some things

I did mine 60k miles ago, and now have to replace some more parts

Check trackbar, control arm, swaybar bushes, ball joints, tie rod ends, brake parts, steering parts, shocks, springs, engine and trans mounts

Good chance many are worn. Vehicle should not pull or sway when braking. XJ brakes are not that great, especially with no ABS (like mine)

Do you have ABS

Emergency stop in wet slippery road, if brakes pull, you will be in great danger

Zack_09

no ABS, and I was planning on having to redo alot on the jeep and dump money in it, I have a second vehicle that's my daily. Front end looks like a lot of the bushing were replaced recently, I know my brakes are stiff but fluid is clean. Any tests I can do to determine where the front end is whirring?

That Jeep Guy XJMJ

Putting hands on and checking everything as described above is your best bet. You can stare at it all day long and tell us what "looks" like replaced/new parts but that doesn't discount poorly installed parts. Mark the tires and put a tape measure up to check for a rough alignment. Check the wheel bearings. Check the tie-rods and ball joints for play. Sway bar link(s) bad or missing isn't going to kick your vehicle around when braking or driving.

awg

The only tests you can do are to raise the vehicle and have someone turn steering wheel, check for play,

lever under wheels and ball joints

remove front driveshaft

is it worse when you bear left or right (failing axle unit bearing or uni-joint)

the trackbar bush and its bolt hole are a definite week point, they locate the front suspension against lateral forces