Clunking when turning

CLADIO LEMMO

MEMBER
2005 JEEP CHEROKEE
5.7L
V8
4WD
180,000 MILES

When turning both ways the vehicle is clucking real bad. I changed the transmission, the hubs, case mount, the upper control arm. The boots look good. Changed the fluid and still is clucking when turning. Please help.

Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

Can you tell what side it is coming from? Have you checked ball joints and other suspension components?

First, if it is possible, record the sound and upload it for me to hear. Hopefully, that will help narrow down the possibilities.

Second, I attached a pic below Make sure the highlighted parts are not loose, damaged, broken, and so on.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 11:07 PM

CLADIO LEMMO

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I changed the hubs-put new wheel bearings, transfer case mount, new control arm and ball joint on drivers side, changed the transfer case fluid. I am going to check but side to see if boots are in good shape no tears. Took off the drive train and checked the joints what else could? Hopefully not the transmission case. What's your opinion? Because I really don't want to pull off the transmission case again. Thanks

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Thursday, December 31st, 2020 AT 7:32 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

If it is happening when turning, I don't think it has to do with the transfer case. Make sure simple things are not causing it like a loose steering gear. Also, if it was a CV joint, you would hear a clicking sound when turning the wheel sharp. Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-cv-joint-works

Now, I have dealt with the front drive shaft causing a crunching sound under a load. They have a CV joint in place of a traditional universal joint which can fail and make noise. Do you only hear it when you place a load on the engine?

If you look at the attached pic, I highlighted what I'm referring to. Keep in mind this would not be the cause if it happens in park or neutral when turning the wheel.

Let me know. Also, if you could record it and upload it so I can hear it, it would be helpful.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, December 31st, 2020 AT 10:35 AM

CLADIO LEMMO

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks Joe. I took off the drive shaft and I looked at the joint it has very little play, you said the steering gear. What part am I supposed to look at? It does make a clanking noise when turning both ways that's where I m confused at. Could it be something simple that would make the clanking noise? Thanks

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Thursday, December 31st, 2020 AT 5:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

Yes, it is likely something simple. Have a helper turn the steering back and forth while you watch under the vehicle for movement or something loose. Also, the CV joint I'm referring to is very difficult to inspect like that. If you look at the drive shaft side, you will see a rubber dust shield on the joint. What happens is that breaks, water, and dirt get into the joint, and then things start locking up and making noise.

If you can record it for me to hear, I may be able to identify it. That joint is well over 100 dollars to rebuild it. I have had people get them from Rockauto for around $30.00. However, it is a bit of a pain to do and I wouldn't want you doing it if that isn't the issue. The noise is usually heard under a load.

Let me know.

Joe