UPDATE!! Knocking while turning

[cuteangel1007]

Hello,

I apologize if this question has been discussed already in this thread,, but I really don’t feel like going through all 137 pages to find a possible answer. >_<
So, a while ago I asked a question regarding my steering kind of pulling to one side. Thank you to all who answered!
Since then I’ve taken Trixee off road a few times, got pretty hung up once or twice, took some hard drops off obstacles, (enough to completely mess up the steps that were on it and dent the sides above the steps and below the doors). I know there’s a slight dent in my tie rod? I think it is? The long straight bar between the 2 front knuckles. Aaaaaaand now I hear knocking while I’m turning. It used to be intermittent, now it’s getting persistent.
when I go to look underneath, what should I be looking for?
Like, looseness/movable things that aren’t supposed to move? What would they be? I still don’t know a lot about suspensions, but I do now know what a few things are, like the knuckles, ball joints, tie rod, and some others I can’t recall at the moment (need to look at my notes), so please, dumb things down a little bit for me? What could be making the knocking noise as I’m turning while driving on the road.

The photos are of the damage to the sides under the doors and steps, for an example of how hard I came down off a few of those big rocks. (It was soooooo much fun!! ). The first 2 photos are passenger side, last photo is driver side right behind/at the front fender well

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[RudeJeepin]

Sounds like a front axle U-joint.

 

[Minty JL]

Yeah dented tie rod will definitely knock your alignment out.

I had a similar knocking.......it was a loose sway bar endlink.

So there's a starting point and my contribution for the night

 

[BlackRuby23]

The photos are of the damage to the sides under the doors and steps, for an example of how hard I came down off a few of those big rocks. (It was soooooo much fun!! ).

Wow. That is some expensive "fun," that's for sure. Are you just aiming for the biggest boulders you can find and sending it? Because looking at all that damage, it's looking like you're totaling the Jeep from the undercarriage up.

 

[Minty JL]

Wow. That is some expensive "fun," that's for sure. Are you just aiming for the biggest boulders you can find and sending it? Because looking at all that damage, it's looking like you're totaling the Jeep from the undercarriage up.

Yeah time for some legit rock rails

 

[IamPro2A]

Well, first off a bent tie rod or drag link should be replaced because it will change your steering alignment and ruin your front tires.
Second, if you bent that, you should make sure nothing else steering/suspension wise else is damaged.

As far as the knocking while turning. I would check these in the following order:

1: Don't take this the wrong way, but did you forget to take it out of four wheel drive (It happens to the best of us)?

2: The early Gladiators (2020-2021) had an issue where some of the front ball joints were not torqued properly at the factory. If a ball joint is loose (or bad), it can cause what you describe. Again, not something you want to let go, both for safety issues and it will cause far more expensive damage if ignored.

3: loose front lug nuts or a damaged wheel.

4: A worn or damaged front axle or axle joint.

5: bad front wheel bearing/hub assembly.

None of those things that should go unchecked. Off-roading is a blast, but it can get expensive. I still love it, but I'm past the point of seriously off-roading my daily driver.

 

[pcrawfordpt]

After another hard wheeling trips, I always check everything underneath, front and back. It may take an hour, but you would be surprised what you can find. Better to catch things early than break on the trail. Check to make sure everything is still torqued to specs. Check all the bushings/joints for play. I had a bad Johnny Joint that caused a clunk when turning and also some rattling when driving on bumpy roads. Check your drive shafts, ball joints and hubs. There are video tutorial on how to do all these. Get familiar with your rig and what tools are needed. Carry the essentials with you when wheeling.
Edit: unfortunately for you but maybe a learning lesson to others…have your rig properly equipped for the trial. You have likely done way more in damage that the cost of a good skid plate system and rock rails. Now you will have to pay to get that fixed and still add the skid system and rock rails. Not only do they protect cosmetically, but protect the vital components underneath. Again, you need to perform a really good inspection, fix, and protect.

 

[cuteangel1007]

Yeah time for some legit rock rails

I was very fortunate to meet someone that hd taken off the factory rock rails for steps, as the first owner of mine had done, he gave them to me for free! So yes, now I have actual rails. Eventually I will go up to 35” tires, then a small lift, then regear and up to ‘37”s (and some steps, because I am 5’2”).

 

[cuteangel1007]

Thank you very much for your replies! I now know better what to look for, and how to help myself in figuring out what’s going on.
I truly appreciate y’all’s experience and expertise!!

 

[pcrawfordpt]

One more thing…whoever took you on that trail…give em a swift kick in the junk - JK. I would never take anyone, especially someone newer to wheeling, on a trail that would cause that much damage…

 

[IamPro2A]

Thank you very much for your replies! I now know better what to look for, and how to help myself in figuring out what’s going on.
I truly appreciate y’all’s experience and expertise!!

Make sure to update this thread when you find the problem. It might help the next person in your situation.

 

[cuteangel1007]

Make sure to update this thread when you find the problem. I might help the next person in your situation.

thanks, will do!

 

[Lost1wing]

How about a few pics of the front suspension? It might be easy for someone to spot something out of the ordinary.

 

[cuteangel1007]

How about a few pics of the front suspension? It might be easy for someone to spot something out of the ordinary.

That is a good idea, unfortunately I haven't made the time to get under and look at anything yet. I will eventually! I just hope I don't do irreparable or even expensive damage before I get myself underneath to look at things. Thank you !

 

[cuteangel1007]

Hello everyone!
I hope all are well and safe! I took Trixee to a recommended dealership today. This dealership was recommended by my mentor in one of the 4 wheel clubs I attend and ride with. (One has accepted my membership, I still need to fulfill a few requirements for the other one.) Anyway,, today's diagnostic cost $250... and to say that I now feel like the dumbest old broad on the planet is an understatement. >_< I was thinking it was something major because of the 4 wheeling and damage to the steps and body I sustained.
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it was a lose bolt that had backed out of the factory skid plate causing the skid plate to bounce and hit the frame, cross beam-y-thing-a-ma-jig it was bolted to.

When the mechanic explained what it was I asked him to show me exactly what it was, so at least now I know to check that first next time.. if there is a next time.. They did tell me that I need a new steering dampener because mine is damaged. Ends up the tie rod is fine, I got my parts names mixed up when I was looking underneath. I have so much to learn, I don't want to be dumb. I hate feeling so stupid. And today I feel incredibly stupid.
At least I learned something today.

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