Clunk sound

[HoosierJeeper]

The noise I've been hearing and had threads on- I don't think it's CV joint related. No vibrations or anything. It happens when going over bumps at lower speeds, turning doesn't seem to effect it nor does 4WD. I jacked it up by the lower control arms and found some play in the balljoint (uppers I think-the boots look bad) and the clunk I heard appeared. Does that sound logical? Could it be something else, like tie rods or something? Steers normal.

Thanks

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Yes it could be either HJ.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Either....???

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Sorry, upper ball joint clunk or tie rod going clunk
I've had a tie rod go clunk yet upon inspection it only felt a little loose.
Replaced it anyway. Cheaper in the long run and safer.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Is their a way I could isolate it? Like is play in one direction one thing?

 

[Ry' N Jen]

We had a nasty clunk in the front end, it was the sway bar end links. We disconnected the sway bars for a day then hooked them back up again & all is good, no more clunk. Maybe that's what you are hearing?

Jen

 

[Jo6pak]

I have a bad tie-rod end on the passenger side that clunks a bit.

Jack up the front and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth. If you slide under the Jeep and put your hand on the outer tie-rod end, you will feel the "clunk."

 

[HoosierJeeper]

We had a nasty clunk in the front end, it was the sway bar end links. We disconnected the sway bars for a day then hooked them back up again & all is good, no more clunk. Maybe that's what you are hearing?

Jen

I'll try it...I thought about it, but I thought disconnecting it wouldn't eliminate it as the hardware is still there.

I have a bad tie-rod end on the passenger side that clunks a bit.

Jack up the front and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth. If you slide under the Jeep and put your hand on the outer tie-rod end, you will feel the "clunk."

I'll check that too.

Thanks!

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Update:

Disconnected the sway bar, the clunk wasn't as noticeable but still there.

Yesterday I did check the tie rods, but it was still on the ground. Does that count?

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Bit of an update...turning does seem to effect it.

 

[Porkchop]

Kinda sounds like a ball joint but without looking at it can't tell ya.
So ill give you some tips to try.
Check all your nuts and bolts.
Take it to a good tire and alignment shop tell them you want the alignment checked and IF thay find something wrong they won't do an alignment and will tell you what it is at no charge.
Then take it home to fix it but bring it back to them for the alignment.
Most good places if you tell them you will take it home to fix it they will give you a brake on the repair.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Update: I put in some new MOOG sway bar bushings and no change. It only happens going like 5-10 MPH on really "rough" bumps, like pulling in the driveway (but not out) or when in a rutted out field and making a u turn. 4WD doesn't change it, and no other weird behaviors.

Thanks!

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Checked the upper ball joints last night, play/clunk on both sides. Passenger side has a rip in it (not from coil contact, it's on the front end of the boot).

 

[Jo6pak]

HJ, if you are repalcing with OEM UCAs, use the recall part number. I think I only paid around $120 for both sides.

The recall part is CAFZJ170AA. The part guy never asked for a vin# so maybe you'll get lucky like I did.

Of course, maybe you'll just upgrade to Al's UCAs:smokin:

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Was that $120 per arm? Or for both?

I might just upgrade to Al's...

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Was that $120 per arm? Or for both?

I might just upgrade to Al's...

Good move HJ!
Get a set of Gen 4.5 Upper control arms for your Lib.

 

[Jo6pak]

Was that $120 per arm? Or for both?

I might just upgrade to Al's...

I've been trying to dig up the reciepts from that job, but I must have thrown them out. I'm pretty sure it was $120 per pair, I remember being astonished at the "recall part" price since it was over $300 each otherwise.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Upper Control Arm CAFZJ170AA

But that'll be $200+ with shipping...and I thought all factory UCA's were the same?

 

[Jo6pak]

Hmm. I can't remember how I pulled that off. The UCAs that I got where indentical to the old set I took out. Maybe I mentioned there was a recall when I ordered them so they gave me the price that they would pay at the dealership???

You could just stop by Pishke and see what they say. Couldn't hurt

Sorry HJ, wish I had better info for ya p:

 

[HoosierJeeper]

No prob...not your fault. I'm still kinda leaning towards Al's.