Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Clunking noise when turning left & right (not track bar)

Mike1072

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Original poster
Joined
May 9, 2020
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5
Location
Richmond, VA
Hello everyone,
I am looking for some advice on my 2006 TJ...recently developed a 'clunking' (not popping) steering noise which is coming from the front when I drive and steer left & right. I can feel the clunk in the wheel, which makes me nervous something may fail. I checked the ball joints (which feel great), rattled the shocks & springs to make sure mothing loose. to no avail. SO, I replaced the track bar...and the noise is STILL there...any advice on what I can do to isolate this before I have to pay someone else to throw parts at this thing? Thank you in advance for any advice!!
 
You replaced the trac bar; are either the tie rod hole at the frame or the axle mounting hole wallowed out and are the bolts torqued down ?
Check the condition of the control arm bushings on both top and bottom control arms and ensure the bolts are torqued down.
Inspect the condition of the rubber for the engine mounts along with bolts that attach the mounts to the engine.
 
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Hello everyone,
I am looking for some advice on my 2006 TJ...recently developed a 'clunking' (not popping) steering noise which is coming from the front when I drive and steer left & right. I can feel the clunk in the wheel, which makes me nervous something may fail. I checked the ball joints (which feel great), rattled the shocks & springs to make sure mothing loose. to no avail. SO, I replaced the track bar...and the noise is STILL there...any advice on what I can do to isolate this before I have to pay someone else to throw parts at this thing? Thank you in advance for any advice!!

Welcome

Can you watch the steering components while the wheel is being turned, or is it only when you are driving?
Look up dry steering test.
A common source is the RH tie rod hitting the swaybar bracket.
 
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You need to do the dry test.

Beyond that you need to look at the entire system for instance if you have an aftermarket dropped track bar frame amount they can make noise.

You can have a problem with your steering shaft.

I have also seen this happen with an automatic transmission crossmember being loose.

If you get something that is a suspect you can spray water or WD-40 to temporarily quieten down the noise and sometimes that will give you the answer.
 
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Check the front sway bar. When the suspension is lifted and the axle is not re-centered with an adjustable track bar, it can be pulled towards the driver’s side, causing the passenger side of the bar to hit or rub the frame rail. This is something that may be hard to observe on a parked vehicle but easy to hear while driving.
 
You replaced the trac bar; are either the tie rod hole at the frame or the axle mounting hole wallowed out and are the bolts torqued down ?
Check the condition of the control arm bushings on both top and bottom control arms and ensure the bolts are torqued down.
Inspect the condition of the rubber for the engine mounts along with bolts that attach the mounts to the engine.

Check the front sway bar. When the suspension is lifted and the axle is not re-centered with an adjustable track bar, it can be pulled towards the driver’s side, causing the passenger side of the bar to hit or rub the frame rail. This is something that may be hard to observe on a parked vehicle but easy to hear while driving.

Thank you! I will check this out
 
Welcome

Can you watch the steering components while the wheel is being turned, or is it only when you are driving?
Look up dry steering test.
A common source is the RH tie rod hitting the swaybar bracket.

Lots of comments on dry steering test, thank you for your advice!
 
You need to do the dry test.

Beyond that you need to look at the entire system for instance if you have an aftermarket dropped track bar frame amount they can make noise.

You can have a problem with your steering shaft.

I have also seen this happen with an automatic transmission crossmember being loose.

If you get something that is a suspect you can spray water or WD-40 to temporarily quieten down the noise and sometimes that will give you the answer.

thank you for taking the time to reply, I will check the dry steering test for sure
 
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Check the front sway bar. When the suspension is lifted and the axle is not re-centered with an adjustable track bar, it can be pulled towards the driver’s side, causing the passenger side of the bar to hit or rub the frame rail. This is something that may be hard to observe on a parked vehicle but easy to hear while driving.

The OP profile indicates there is a stock suspension.
 
Check the front sway bar. When the suspension is lifted and the axle is not re-centered with an adjustable track bar, it can be pulled towards the driver’s side, causing the passenger side of the bar to hit or rub the frame rail. This is something that may be hard to observe on a parked vehicle but easy to hear while dri
Hello everyone,
I am looking for some advice on my 2006 TJ...recently developed a 'clunking' (not popping) steering noise which is coming from the front when I drive and steer left & right. I can feel the clunk in the wheel, which makes me nervous something may fail. I checked the ball joints (which feel great), rattled the shocks & springs to make sure mothing loose. to no avail. SO, I replaced the track bar...and the noise is STILL there...any advice on what I can do to isolate this before I have to pay someone else to throw parts at this thing? Thank you in advance for any advice!!

To ALL...THANK YOU for the feedback...turned out I have a bad sway bar link on driver side!
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts