Need help in Winston Salem

epk5150

New Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2014
Hey guys, I am from Virginia but am in NC this summer for an internship with Norfolk Southern and I have been having some issues with my 1996 Cherokee. After I lifted it a couple months ago I have been having this clunking noise coming from the left front. If anyone is free and would like to help me troubleshoot I would greatly appreciate it. I live in an apartment complex and have minimal tools and no jack so its hard for me to do it on my own.

Thanks,
Eric
 
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Olivers driveshaft in winston can fix you up. Tell dave snappy sent ya
 
I live in an apartment complex on Stratford Rd near Clemmons. Also I really wanted to avoid paying someone as I am a college student and a little strapped for cash for the time being. I was hoping I could just get some help from a fellow 4x4 enthusiast.
 
As I said on other forums, I live very close... Off Hampton Road, I just stay busy, but we can probably figure one day out.
 
I may have some time to help you out this weekend, but lets get the ball rolling on the diagnosis.

What type of lift did you install?
Did it start immediately after the installation?
Is the clunking constant, or only in certain situations like hitting a bump or turning?
does it change with speed?
 
From what he said on the other forum :

Only when he hits a bump
Sounds like its coming from the front left.
Swaybar bushings look "OK"
He didn't replace upper control arm bushings with lift, they may be bad.

Lots of potential causes from Ball joints to bad bushings etc...
 
It's not looking like ill have time tomorrow. Based on the limited info I have I'd be looking at a shock or swaybar bushing. Both are easy enough to diagnose, just disconnect, find a bump and test.
 
Yeah it happens every time I go over a speed bump in my apartment complex and it does it worse if I go over at an angle instead of head on. On a side note, I was cleaning my engine this morning and saw that my oil pan gasket is indeed bad. It is protruding out the front so if anyone wants to get down and dirty and help me replace that there is a twelve pack of your choosing waiting for you!:beer:
 
At highway speeds on a smooth road its near nonexistent. On a gravel road at any speed it is pretty much constant. It doesn't do it when I turn the wheel side to side whether moving or not.
 
epk5150 said:
Yeah it happens every time I go over a speed bump in my apartment complex and it does it worse if I go over at an angle instead of head on. On a side note, I was cleaning my engine this morning and saw that my oil pan gasket is indeed bad. It is protruding out the front so if anyone wants to get down and dirty and help me replace that there is a twelve pack of your choosing waiting for you!:beer:
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Is the oil gasket leaking oil? Just because it's protruding out, doesn't mean it's bad. Even if it was leaking a little, I'd tighten the bolts a quarter turn before dropping the pan, see if that stops the leak first.
 
yeah it has been leaking since i bought it. I replaced the valve cover gasket and that helped a lot but it is still leaking a little. Its coming from the front and that is where I noticed the gasket protruding. I will try to tighten the bolts though, couldn't hurt.
 
I live in clemmons just let me know if u didnt figure it out.
 
well after driving to downtown Winston Salem yesterday I can definitely say something aint right. The roads were really rough and it sounded worse than ever. I got under there today and looked at everything again and it all appears to be in good shape. No real visible wear on the upper control arm bushings and I yanked and pulled on all components and couldnt really hear/feel any play. The only play I could find was a little in the axle u-joint but even that was minimal. I dont think it is enough to cause as loud of a noise as I am hearing but then again I am no expert.

As for the oil leak, I didnt notice anything on the ground after my hike in the mountains this morning and I didn't see any signs of accumulation on the front of the oil pan but I did see some accumulation of fluid on the transmission pan. I am not really sure where it is coming from now.

Anyways, if you want to give me a hand it might be easier to call or text me. My number is (757)-362-2076

Thanks,
Eric
 
Cleaned up some more and it looks like my oil pan is leaking. I have the gasket but I could use some help installing it as I have read that it may require me to jack it up some to get the pan out. If anyone is interested in lending a hand (and a jack) my phone number is listed above, just shoot me a text or give me a call.

Thanks,
Eric
 
Did you use Extended bump stops? Maybe hitting the coils?

Hows the axle end of the upper control arm bushing that's mounted in the diff housing? If you have an oil leak, the oil will deteriorate the rubber.
 
Yeah I installed new shocks with the lift. I looked at the upper control arm bushings as best I could without removing them and I yanked on them in every direction and didn't feel any play.
 
so did you check the top mounts of the shock. one rubber bushing on each side with curved washer on each side
 
epk5150 said:
Yeah I installed new shocks with the lift. I looked at the upper control arm bushings as best I could without removing them and I yanked on them in every direction and didn't feel any play.
Click to expand...

have someone turn steering wheel while u lay and look for play, did u install new trac bar? if so is it right length
 
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