Jeep LJ clunk moving steering wheel

[@the_polo_lounge]

All,
Need advice on 2004 Jeep LJ front end clunk when moving steering wheel back and forth. Had noise previously and I replaced upper and lower steering shafts using mopar parts and repacking bearing. I still have noise after a day or so it comes and goes. It does it turning and in park moving steering wheel back and forth. The steering box looked new when I purchased Jeep hopefully not the issue. There is a little squeal for power steering pump moving back and forth. Thanks

 

[Rubicon88]

All,
Need advice on 2004 Jeep LJ front end clunk when moving steering wheel back and forth. Had noise previously and I replaced upper and lower steering shafts using mopar parts and repacking bearing. I still have noise after a day or so it comes and goes. It does it turning and in park moving steering wheel back and forth. The steering box looked new when I purchased Jeep hopefully not the issue. There is a little squeal for power steering pump moving back and forth. Thanks

Track bar

I bet it's popping inside the driver side mount up and down while you're turning.

I get quite a few in the shop with the noise you describe and it's exactly that.

Good luck.

 

[@the_polo_lounge]

jks one installed 6 mths ago

 

[@the_polo_lounge]

Possibly loose or other issue ?

 

[Rubicon88]

Possibly loose or other issue ?

It very well may be something else...

The best way to find it is with a helper steering back and forth a few inches with all tires on ground.

Key on engine off.

Just start look at every joint including pitman arm.
You have the pitman arm, the tie rod attached to it...the drag link joint going from adjusting sleeve.....
Then the left / right tie rods at the knuckles.

And of course the track bar.

I'd focus on that to start with as the others don't usually make that clunking noise like the track bar.

 

[Goatman]

Triple check the trackbar is tight at both ends. That would be my #1 check also. Then do the dry steering test as above. Also do it with the engine running so the power steering is active also. Take 1 side of the steering stabilizer off and see if that could be it. If nothing has any play then take a good look at your wheel bearings and ball joints.