Front End Popping Issue

Dirtgash

New member
I have a stock 97 Wrangler Sport, that has not seen any 'real' off road. Within the last few months have developed a popping sound in the front when hitting small bumps in the road, paved or non in 2wheel drive.

Yesterday I went up a fairly smooth fire road not exceeding 15mph, popping got worse, turned around and headed back to the pavement. Now any bump causes loud popping sounds.

Before I go to the mechanics, trying to find out what this is most likely from... Ball joints, sway bar linkage, etc.

Thanks!
 
Possibly... I have stood on the front bumper and got the front of the Jeep bouncing up and down to try and re-create the issue, but nothing!
 

Having a similar popping sound from the front end of my '87 Comanche...

Jacked the entire front end up this weekend. All the ball joints looked tight, shocks were not loose, and the steering functioned fine...but noticed my sway-bar connect on the drivers side had broken and worn out bushings which need replacing.

Best thing you can do is safely jack up the front end on both sides (using good jacks, and jack stands). Visually inspect the steering components, shocks, etc.

Have someone turn the steering wheel completely both directions while you look for anything unusual underneath.

Larry
 
Along with checking your steering check your unit bearings up front. It could also be a bad bushing on your UCS/ LCA.
 
Had similar popping issue since lifting mine and putting on an aftermarket skid plate (that mounts to the lower control arm mounting points). Looked at all the suggestions above at some point or another, and found I just have worn bushings on the control arms. Was told they could be greased, or would have to replace the bushings. Personally, I'd rather replace worn parts than just 'cover up the symptoms'.

Maybe try to grease the control arm bushings to see if that solves the noise. If so, you can keep them greased or replace them.
 

The control arm bushings are a fixed core, flexible rubber joint. They should not be greased in any way. You CAN grease the bolts during assembly so they don't rust in place. I had a loud cracking or popping sound when flexing off road or turning real tight on road. It was hard to find but it turned out to be a slightly loose track bar bolt (front track bar) . The track bar would pop or snap in its mount when the Jeep put force on it. It was a loud cracking pop sound like if you hit the frame hard with a small hammer. Best of luck - John
 
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