[Guest]

I have noticed that in dry weather I sometimes get a popping noise from the front end when turning. I cannot duplicate for sometime. When it is wet out get popping noise all the time. Does my Jeep have arthritis, or what else am I looking at. I do believe I need new shocks (have original from factory), but I don't think they would make a popping noise. I tried to move the track bar, but seems solid.

 

[109]

I would first give all the zerks on the front end a good greasing, including the upper and lower ball joints. You mentioned the track bar; sometimes the track bar framerail bracket bolts/nuts behind the driver side tire come loose and that can make a popping noise when turning. This happened on my old beloved 1986 2.8 XJ and I knew it was time to tighten them up. HTH

 

[2423]

def the grease solutions

i did that and mine was fixed....but again.... this post was up like a week or two ago so use the search and find all the info you need...

 

[Guest]

I had done a seasrch, but couldn't find anything specific to this. Unfortunatley I haven't been able to get under Jeep again to check or tighted stuff. (cold and wet out all the time and no carport or garage) BTW, I am much more profecent in computer terms since I do technical support for Apple Computers. This being said, I am unfammilar with the term zerks. What and where are they located?

 

[2586]

Zerks are the little nipple that sticks off from your greaseable joints. Like tie-rod ends, track bar, ball joints and drive line u-joints. It's the nipple that the hose from the grease gun fits onto.

 

[3946]

Huh huh huh huh, he said " nipple "!

 

[Guest]

Man this sucks. I called in sick on Tuesday to check things over, and was able to do most of tune-up. Then on the way to the parts place, I get rearended. Doesn't seem to bad, just bumper, and brackets. He had a heavy load on his trailer and could stop in time. Anyways, since then, have not heard popping noise anymore, but seem to get some noise from steering when turning. Still going to check "ZERKS" (thanks for the info). At least his insurance may take care of.

 

[Guest]

Front u-joints pop and click. Hub bearings growl and crackle. On dry pavement turn wheel to lock, hang head out of open window (make a funny face-it always gets funny looks from other drivers), drive and listen. Turn wheel to lock in opposite direction and listen again. Replace the side that pops.
U-joints are not hard to replace. Get a Haynes manual and have at it!!

 

[Guest]

Well, it turns out that I need to replace the trackbar. One place saya $206, but taht seems rather expensive. I am about to go out and start looking for a replacement. How hard is this? I t looks to be a rather simple exchange, but is there anything I should watch out for, or do before hand?

 

[Guest]

The whole track bar or just the rod end at the unibody? Unless the bar is bent I can't see replacing the whole thing. It should be a serviceable unit at both sides. In any case I'm sure someone on this board has an OEM unit lying around. I'd send you mine but I junked it....

 

[2586]

I bought a stock one at the local parts place for $53. Took about 20min to change in the driveway.

 

[Andytron]

Mine was $46 made by TRW in the USA. Just waiting to get my jack back from the rebuilder to put it and my exhaust on.

 

[Guest]

Does not seem to be bent, and is loose on only one end. Repair shop said this type was not serviceable and just neede to be replaced. Although he could not tell me what type or brand it was.Will prolly with part store. Thanks again!