Steering Popping Noise Full Lock

[XCRN]

I recently started getting a popping noise in the front when steering full lock while stationary. It does not always happen though. I can turn the wheel all the way get a pop, turn back just a little then turn to lock again and it wont pop again usually. I have gotten it to pop turning both ways but it does not always pop when I hit full lock. I could narrow it down to the driver side. Everything feels fine. I am thinking steering box but not sure why it would pop, any thoughts? The box is a 3 year old reman FWIW.

 

[afusco1222]

Any way you could have someone turn the steering wheel while you lay under the front of the Jeep?

 

[tnjeepguy]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/steering-issues-solved.63007/

Post # 11 ??

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/knocking-popping-sound-coming-from-steering-when-i-turn.24653/

 

[XCRN]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/steering-issues-solved.63007/

Post # 11 ??

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/knocking-popping-sound-coming-from-steering-when-i-turn.24653/

My steering linkage is probably not it. The noise is “hefty” and loud enough I feel like it would be something much thicker. I have my linkage support moved for the LS and had no issues for years. Its just after this last trip from Silver Lake where I first noticed it.

 

[XCRN]

Any way you could have someone turn the steering wheel while you lay under the front of the Jeep?

Ive tried and conveniently does not do it when I am under, except for once where I beard it clearly from driver side, possibly higher up but could not determine exact spot.

 

[JEEPSTEVENANAIMO]

ujoints on axle?

 

[jjvw]

Loose track bar bolt

 

[afusco1222]

U joint on the steering shaft?

 

[Murf926]

Loose track bar bolt

Wouldn't a loose track bar bolt cause wicked death wobble?

OP, do you have the dreaded death wobble?

 

[XCRN]

Loose track bar bolt

Just checked with a pry bar, tight on both ends. Its a double ended Johnny joint bar.

Wouldn't a loose track bar bolt cause wicked death wobble?

OP, do you have the dreaded death wobble?

It drove nice and straight for 400miles on the highway after I first noticed the pop in the middle of my trip.

 

[XCRN]

U joint on the steering shaft?

I feel like that would show up at any point in the steering, not just a specific point maybe?

 

[jjvw]

Just checked with a pry bar, tight on both ends. Its a double ended Johnny joint bar.


...

That isn't going to tell you what you need to know.

Since this noise occurs with the engine running. Get a second person. Turn on the engine and cycle the steering from lock to lock.

 

[XCRN]

That isn't going to tell you what you need to know.

Since this noise occurs with the engine running. Get a second person. Turn on the engine and cycle the steering from lock to lock.

Ill have to wait for the lady to come home to try again. While digging around I did see where one of my JJ on the driver upper control arm frame end came apart. Took some videos focusing on that joint but the joint did not really move any more when the pops are happening. Regardless ill get it fixed and try again. Conveniently stopped again so cannot get more videos. Now its mostly happening when turning wheel to passenger side.

 

[adventureboss]

Did you ever figure out what it was? I'm having a very similar issue right now.

 

[XCRN]

Did you ever figure out what it was? I'm having a very similar issue right now.

I noticed the Johnny Joint race on that side popped out of the housing a little. I replaced that whole arm since I had a spare and no more noise. So my only guess was the spontaneously disassembled joint.

 

[lBasket]

I noticed the Johnny Joint race on that side popped out of the housing a little. I replaced that whole arm since I had a spare and no more noise. So my only guess was the spontaneously disassembled joint.

What brand of arm was that btw

 

[XCRN]

What brand of arm was that btw

Core4x4, Crawl series that are double adjustable JJ on both ends

 

[lBasket]

Core4x4, Crawl series that are double adjustable JJ on both ends

Ahhh I was thinking that was it. Mine had the same exact failure mode.

 

[XCRN]

Ahhh I was thinking that was it. Mine had the same exact failure mode.

I think my issue is I forced my artriculation on some pretty dry joints. Though for only being a year old it should have not been that bad, but that East Coast mud really wrecks havoc on these joints.

 

[lBasket]

I think my issue is I forced my artriculation on some pretty dry joints. Though for only being a year old it should have not been that bad, but that East Coast mud really wrecks havoc on these joints.

Interesting. I didn't figure out what caused mine - they were only a few months old and had been on only 1 trail harder than a dirt road. They do use a 2" narrow johnny joint, which isn't the same design as the "full size" ones:

People smarter than me speculated it was due to the joint chosen, RockJock doesn't use that joint in TJ upper arms and they make 'em.