Clicking or popping front end

[Cburd61]

Has anyone had an issue with the front end clicking, or slightly popping? The last few weeks, when I’m going very slow, either forward, or especially turning left, it’s making a noise. I haven’t “wheeled” it, and have only had it in four wheel drive a couple of times, while going through our field when it was soft from raining. I’ve had Jeeps and Broncos since 1980, but haven’t had this before. I have been under it a dozen times, but, I can’t find anything that could be causing this. I’ve tightened up everything in the front, (ball joints, track bar, shocks, calipers, literally everything). I’ve also checked everything in the rear end, in case it was a noise that was telegraphing to the front. I’ve also checked for play in the wheel bearings, and the steering stabilizer. It almost sounds like a front u joint, but, they appear to be ok. I’m trying to avoid a trip to the dealer, thinking it’s something simple. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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[PuddleJumper]

make sure the swaybar end link bolts are actually tight. Mine made a similar noise after they came loose. you may also want to check that your ball joints on the knuckles are still tight.

 

[BennieD]

Sometimes it feels tight but is not torqued where it should be I found one by spraying lube on them one at a time and it was one that "was tight" but when I torque it to specs it stopped

 

[Marmaduke]

Interesting. I only get this when going downhill.

 

[Cburd61]

I appreciate the answers/suggestions. I have literally checked and torqued everything suggested, and then some. It doesn’t seem to affect anything, I’m just trying to figure it out before something tears up. Once again, thanks.

 

[Jeepmonster]

My clicking and popping was due to loose pitman arm nut. You have to position the steering so that you get the most unobstructed access to the nut.

 

[Cburd61]

Finally dropped my truck off at the dealership today. They called me about 5 hours later, and said the tech traced it back to the rear differential being shot. Basically, a factory defect, and they are going to replace it. As soon as they get the one time use hardware in, it should be ready by the end of the day tomorrow. When I dropped it off, I told them it sounded like a front wheel drive car with a bad cv joint. I also told them I suspected a bad u joint, drive shaft carrier bearing, or the rear differential. Luckily, no charge to me. I’m still under the 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty. Otherwise, they said it would have been around $4500. Hopefully, this will fix it.

 

[Cburd61]

Got the truck back this evening. They replaced the rear diff and seals/bearings. Drove it 30 miles home, and seems fixed. They said it was a factory defect. Hopefully, it’s good to go.

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