Knocking Sound When Turning Hard

[jzak]

Hey Guys,

So I recently had to parallel park my jeep and i immediately noticed loud knocking sounds from the front end every time I turned hard left and right. I've got power steering, 4 inch lift, and 31's. This was the first time I experienced so much noise when turning. I thought maybe I broke a tie rod or ball joint, but it drove fine afterwards.

I was definitely turning harder then normally to get into that spot. I normally get a knock every once in a while when turning, but it doesn't happen a lot and not that loud. I just replaced the tie rod ends, and I hope I don't have to do the ball joints as well.

Any Thoughts?

 

[Torxhead]

I would think another possibility would be a u-joint from either the front driveshaft or axles. Leaning more towards the front driveshaft since you have a 4" lift.

 

[Hedgehog]

Could be a lot of things, but I experienced the same thing when my lower steering shaft went bad. An easy check, with the engine off, turn the steering wheel. For me this was enough extra strain on the shaft to make it obvious what had failed. Luckily, with the engine running the power steering allowed me to get home, it really wasn't far.

Beyond that there are many things that can make noises like you describe. You might find the problem by having someone turn your steering wheel while you lay under the front to watch the steering mechanism in action. Of course that won't help much if the problem in one of the many U-joints that are part of your CJ's front end where the problem shows up while driving.

 

[Peanut Butter]

You sure you weren't hitting the other parked cars? Parallel parking seems to be a lost art these days! I see people attempting this all the time and failing miserably. Your watching them and thinking, Just Give Up! Just thought you might need some cheering up.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Look for tire rub marks on the springs or frame.
CK the front steering U-joints for 'slop'.
LG

 

[mriplaybass]

You can also check the bushings in your front shackles/hangers. Make sure the bolts are properly tightened. Too tight, and you cause excessive wear on the bushings, too loose and you have steering problems and clunking.

 

[jzak]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I think i'll get up underneath, get my dad to turn hard, and see if i can localize where the problem's coming from.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Please post up on what you find.
LG

 

[GatorBate]

Mine is doing the same thing. My upper ball joints are bad and need replacing.

 

[b3uhbp]

I have this issue too and don't know what it is. How could it be front drive shaft u-joint unless 4 wheel drive is engaged? No disrespect, just wondering.

 

[mriplaybass]

I have this issue too and don't know what it is. How could it be front drive shaft u-joint unless 4 wheel drive is engaged? No disrespect, just wondering.

Even though you may have the Transfer Case and hubs disengaged, the axle is still free to turn. Just the grease in the front hub is enough to cause the axle to turn slowly. Maybe not all the time, but it will still turn. Especially if it is cold outside and the grease is stiff. If the U joint is not facing directly up and down when you try to turn the wheel, it will want to realign itself in an orientation of least resistance. Granted, the joint would have to be pretty bad to clunk without the hubs locked it, but it is still a possibility. I had it happen on a C10 Chevy years ago. Nearly went crazy trying to find the problem. While still in the truck, I could feel no slop in the joint. Once I pulled the joint out, 2 of the caps had needle bearings that were nothing but rust. New joint installed, clunking gone.

 

[CJim7]

I have this issue too and don't know what it is. How could it be front drive shaft u-joint unless 4 wheel drive is engaged? No disrespect, just wondering.

It technically cant.....unless either the Transfer Case is actively engaged into 4wd or the hubs are locked causing the driveshaft to turn.

Another thing not yet mentioned, is the slip yoke. When they go bad, they will make the same clunking as a bad U-joint. but again, non-existent unless the xfercase is engaged or hubs locked.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I'd be ck'n your engine and tranny mounts.
LG

 

[gyvrr]

I had a similar problem... I found that in hard turns, the power steering pressure hose was flexing and banging on the inner finder. I moved the line and wala the knocking was gone. Take a look, it could be just that simple.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I would check the u-joints on the axles.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I would check the u-joints on the axles.

IF the hubs ain't lock'd-Those U-joints ain't a 'player' here.
I'd be look'n at the upper'n lower main ball joints on the 'knuckles' and the ball joints on the steer'n linkage..
LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

IF the hubs ain't lock'd-Those U-joints ain't a 'player' here.
LG

 

[Flex BT]

Any chance this is noise coming from a locker / LSD engaging?