2021 Jeep Gladiator Willys front passenger side clunk.

[Harry818]

Hey all, I bought my gladiator used back in February and had the same clunking sound ever since. I took it to the dealer a number of times and they are indicating that the sound is normal. They checked all of the suspension components and did advise that everything looks great. I did have one mechanic look at it and they are saying the lower ball joint is shot. I did take it to another mechanic shop and they are indicating that everything is fine. At this point I have no idea what to do. I uploaded a video for you all to check it out and hopefully someone can let me know what it is. I mostly hear the clunk when I am making right turns and while reversing and coming up the driveway. Does sound like a balljoint issue. I did have everything re torqued tightly. Thanks!

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[JTPatriot]

Check your sway bar end link bolts. Make sure they are tight. Do not just try and wiggle them, put some wrenches on them and give them some torque. I had a clunk issue at one time and finally found it when I put wrenches to stuff and found the right sway bar link bolt loose. Good luck.

 

[Arisdocjk]

Looks like there is a lot of movement on your drag link end where it connects to the knuckle. That could be the culprit.

 

[Harry818]

Thank you for commenting on this one, I did tighten the bolt from the drag link leading to the knuckle really tight. As for the sway bar links, I will tighten them also, it's kind of tough getting to those bolts. I did have a mechanic tell me that the passenger lower ball joint is shot. Not sure if that is the case.

 

[Harry818]

Everything is tight and I did go ahead and tighten everything once again. The only bolt I am having trouble with is the front sway bar end link bolt (top one). It is just spinning and not getting tight. It is the stock one and I am not able to put a wrench on the opposite side because there is a cover. Any suggestions?

 

[JeepCares]

Everything is tight and I did go ahead and tighten everything once again. The only bolt I am having trouble with is the front sway bar end link bolt (top one). It is just spinning and not getting tight. It is the stock one and I am not able to put a wrench on the opposite side because there is a cover. Any suggestions?

Hi there! If you would like to schedule an appointment with an authorized Jeep dealership, please visit https://www.jeep.com/find-dealer.html to find a dealer near you.

Yenori
Jeep Cares

 

[Harry818]

Hi there! If you would like to schedule an appointment with an authorized Jeep dealership, please visit https://www.jeep.com/find-dealer.html to find a dealer near you.

Yenori
Jeep Cares

Hello, I took the vehicle to the dealers many times but they cannot find the issue. At first they did say that they hear the clunking sound then claim that these trucks make sounds. I am now out of my warranty and cannot afford to take it to the dealership. IF there is another solution, that would be great.

 

[Harry818]

Update, had another mechnic take a look. The sway bar end link was loose on the passenger side and he did tighten them up but the clunk is still there. He tightened everything up including all of the ball joints but the clunk is still there. The only thing he said is that it may be the front axle or Ujoint. At this point I do not want to spend additional money because they seems to be a big job. If there is anything else anyone can suggest, please let me know. I love the truck but this is making me not want it anymore.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Update, had another mechnic take a look. The sway bar end link was loose on the passenger side and he did tighten them up but the clunk is still there. He tightened everything up including all of the ball joints but the clunk is still there. The only thing he said is that it may be the front axle or Ujoint. At this point I do not want to spend additional money because they seems to be a big job. If there is anything else anyone can suggest, please let me know. I love the truck but this is making me not want it anymore.

A ball joint can be worn, but tight as far as wrench tight. Tightening a ball joint doesn't take play out.

 

[Harry818]

A ball joint can be worn, but tight as far as wrench tight. Tightening a ball joint doesn't take play out.

Thanks for the comment, I had multiple mechanics and the dealer look a the ball joints and they all have stated that the ball joints are fine besides one mechanic that said my lower passenger balll joint is shot. I just don't want to drop a thousand dollars unless if it will fix the issue. It seems to be coming from the ball joint. Everything else is fine as it appears.

 

[Harry818]

I am narrowing it down to the Ujoint as it seems unless if the passsenger lower ball joint is shot. IT look slike its in good condition visually.

 

[Harry818]

Looks like there is a lot of movement on your drag link end where it connects to the knuckle. That could be the culprit.

I tightened up the bolt really tight but theres tstill movement..... Idk at this point. No one seems to know whats going on.

 

[Arisdocjk]

I tightened up the bolt really tight but theres tstill movement..... Idk at this point. No one seems to know whats going on.

It’s not the bolt that is the issue. It’s the worn ball joint. I would replace your drag link.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It’s the worn ball joint. I would replace your drag link.

What's a ball joint got to do with the drag link?

 

[Arisdocjk]

What's a ball joint got to do with the drag link?

The ball joint end of the drag link that connects to the knuckle. I guess I should have said drag link end so it wouldn’t be confusing.

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