Knocking when turning

[CdnJeeper]

I have a knocking/clunking when turning left or right. Sometimes it's loud sometimes not as much. However, it only started making this sound after I had the tie rods replaced and an alignment done.

In the past few months I have replaced:
Track bar
Passenger tie rods / drag link w/ new sleeve
sway bar links
sway bar bushings
left inner and outer tie rods (replaced a month after the parts above, alignment performed after)

The alignment shop said my driver u-joint is bad and my ball joint boot is torn. But how come this noise did not occur until after I had it in the shop? Any advise on what this could be would be appreciated.. thanks!

[4.3LXJ]

A clunking, or repetitive noise like that indicates it might indeed be the axle u joint. Fix the broke stuff first then go from there

[Mudderoy]

A clunking, or repetitive noise like that indicates it might indeed be the axle u joint. Fix the broke stuff first then go from there

Yep what Steve said. When you get the axle out you may find more stuff.

You might want to have a look inside the front diff. When was the last time you changed the fluid? Might be a good excuse to drop the cover, drain, clean it up with brake cleaner, check, then refill. It's probably not a diff issue but worth a look if you need to change fluid anyway.

[msmoorenburg]

if all checks out give your rotors and brake pads a good once over. I had thumping while turning and it ended up being the rotors/knuckle wear.(i just put new rotors and pads on it and welded up the groves.

the groves

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/photobucket-33128-1361155441633_zpsc34c010e.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/photobucket-33128-1361155441633_zpsc34c010e.jpg.html)

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/photobucket-25474-1361155469710_zpsa3d10d23.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/photobucket-25474-1361155469710_zpsa3d10d23.jpg.html)

the fix

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/photobucket-43210-1361155331586_zps14678c13.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/photobucket-43210-1361155331586_zps14678c13.jpg.html)

[CdnJeeper]

Thank you all for the advice. To clarify a little more I only hear the sound once when turning, however it does it every time i turn.. It sounds like someone giving a hard knock on a door.

I have not changed the fluid since I bought it april so I will change all ball joints, axle ujoints and change the fluid at the same time. It seems like a big job for just the ujoint and if the ball joint boot is torn ill replace that since im there.

Any advice on the best method to remove these? Should I remove on the vehicle or take them off? I wouldn't doubt if these are original (original owner neglect and 224 miles) I am tempted to have my mechanic do the work.

[GreazyRatchet]

I just replaced my driver side ball joints this past weekend. My XJ has 230k, you will NEED to rent a Ball Joint Press. My steering knuckle was also seized to the old joints so badly that I used a grinder with a 4.5" metal cut off blade in order to cut the ball studs so the knuckle would be out of the way. It was one of the most frustrating projects, but when all said and done, rewarding. However, I too, still have the "clunking/popping" noise. U joints are next.

[4.3LXJ]

I think we have an article on how to replace ball joints on here somewhere. But yes, you will need a ball joint press. Kind of looks like a big C clamp. You can rent or borrow one. but I bought mine and still saved the price of labor to replace ball joints. Also to get the knuckle off, remove the nuts and use a large hammer to smack it and it should come down. You do not have to remove the tie rod so don't sweat that.

[Mudderoy]

From one of our past guests on the XJ TALK SHOW!

http://youtu.be/bf77O90BwKc

[MelloYello]

First off, Have someone turn you wheel while you crawl under the front and listen for the "clunk" noise. I had a clunk and it ended up being that I needed a new steering box. I used one from a 99 Durango (just a bit more stout and bolts right up.) There is plenty of info on that swap.

[XJ Wheeler]

Just to be sure, cause i don't see it specifically. Does it make this sound while rolling and turning or just turning while sitting still?

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[jeepin_idaho]

Have you checked the track bar mount? The bracket that connects to the frame can become loose and would cause a single knock when turning.

Dan
http://the4x4podcast.com

[CdnJeeper]

Thanks again for the replies. I believe the steering box is bad because I've replaced so many front end components and I still have some slop and a dead spot in my steering. I forgot to mention my mechanic also said that it should be replaced. And no the clunk only occurs while driving not sitting.

[XJ Wheeler]

In that case i agree about the u-joints. Or possibly unit bearings. The steering box play can usually be adjusted, it depends on the cause of the slop.

[nickyg]

Did it sound like this? In my case it was the tack bar frame mount. two of the four bolts were rusted to a nub. It felt tight and solid. There was no way to tell untill I took it off to paint it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSgEdbMEYi0

[CdnJeeper]

Yes that sound very much likewhat I m experiencing. Mine also feels solid. How did you determine it was bad and how do you replace it?

Something else for me to look into.

[bluedragon436]

I'm going to agree and say that if it only does it while driving and not while just sitting that it would be more of your U-joints...

[CdnJeeper]

Update - I got my jeep back from the shop. My mechanic replaced the two front ujoints.. they were toast. One was completely seized and one was missing a lot of needle bearings. I also want to add that I had a popping/knocking sound when I was in 4x4 which I think is now gone.. I will try again tomorrow to confirm.

Thank you everyone for the help, I am happy these new joints are in and the jeep is safe to drive.

[nickyg]

Update - I got my jeep back from the shop. My mechanic replaced the two front ujoints.. they were toast. One was completely seized and one was missing a lot of needle bearings. I also want to add that I had a popping/knocking sound when I was in 4x4 which I think is now gone.. I will try again tomorrow to confirm.

Thank you everyone for the help, I am happy these new joints are in and the jeep is safe to drive.

Awesome!! A smooth running Jeep is a beautiful thing.

[CdnJeeper]

Update- it has been a week and the knocking is back.. I'm confused how it stayed away this long and has returned. I will look into the other suggestions that you guys have mentioned. I crawled under last night and started grabbing and pulling at the front end with no luck finding anything loose. I will update when I find more.

[nickyg]

Have you tried the track bar frame mount? Mine had two bolts rusted away. It still felt tight when I pryed on it with a big screwdriver. The only way I found it was by taking it off. It was real easy to do and only cost me the price of 4 bolts