Front end clunk

TRCM

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Newport News,VA

• Jan 13, 2007

• #1

My 88 has a front end clunk I can't seem to find. it does it when ever you hit any bump, large or small, but is most noticeable at low speeds.

shocks are tight, now obvious loose parts.....

any ideas ?

 

CanMan

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Lake Tapps, WA

• Jan 13, 2007

• #2

Check the unit bearing? Or ball joints?

Pull the front shaft, maybe the splines are binding.

 

TRCM

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Newport News,VA

• Jan 13, 2007

• #3

I forgot to mention, I have only noticed it in 2wd

I highly doubt it is ball joints or bearings, as the tires are wearing perfectly on the front (and rear too for that matter)

 

Matthew Currie

NAXJA Member #760

Location

Vermont, land of big clay

• Jan 14, 2007

• #4

Check the sway bar bushings on the frame. Also check the mountings to the track bar. The track bar can make a clunk even if you can't see movement. I found that one way to diagnose the ball joint (frame) end is to grease just that one joint. If it quiets down for a day or two, then comes back, you've found the problem.

 

J

jstggs

NAXJA Forum User

Location

GA

• Jan 14, 2007

• #5

Check your u-joints while in 2wd. Grab the yoke and twist

 

TRCM

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Newport News,VA

• Jan 14, 2007

• #6

the clunk is only there when you hit a bump, I'd expect u joints to make the noise whenever you change direction of the d/s

 

T

truckeejeeper

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Northern California

• Jan 15, 2007

• #7

I have the same problem in my 91xj 5sp man. 4.0. Did you ever solve the problem? Please follow up! Thanks-

 

TRCM

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Newport News,VA

• Jan 15, 2007

• #8

Not yet.

I'm beginning to think it's the link arm bushings. They seem to be pretty loose.

I also need to look at the ball joints again. Upon closer inspection, the front tires do have a very slight wear pattern on them I hadn't noticed until I washed the truck (hunting season just ended).