Very big clunk/bang from front end - when turning left slowly.

[bener]

Hi all, I've got a horrible big clunk/bang from the front of the WH CRD after doing my front lower control arms - it seemed to start after I got my alignment done.

Sometimes when moving slowly forward, mostly when turning left, it's like something loads up or binds until it releases with a big clunk or bang. It sounds like something is really breaking but I can't figure it out. I've had the gopro under there and can't see anything moving strangely when it happens.

No other clicks from CV, but I'm going to check those. My guess is steering rack but I really don't want to start pulling it out without confirming the issue. It looks like a nightmare to remove.

Front diff bushes seem OK but I can't see the top one.

The issue only exists at low speeds, while driving normally it's fine. Things also just feel a bit 'off' and clunky when going slowly. I've had it up on the hoist at the local garage and they agreed nothing looks off, checked nuts etc.

Swaybar links are fine - issue still exists with links removed.

[alexbrown64]

Hey mate ours did this too at low speed.
Not saying it is this, but check your ABS sensors. JScan can do live data of individual wheel speeds. Also, have some one look at your wheels when pulling away.

What can happen is if a wheel speed sensor is intermittently faulty, it sends a signal to the opposite wheel to lock the brake on as it thinks it’s in a skid and is trying to correct it.

Ours was banging like crazy. In JScan we could see the right rear wheel was not getting a signal all the time. This would apply the brake to the left rear wheel. My boy could see it happening when we reversed out the driveway.

Anyway, replaced sensor with genuine part and never had the banging and locking up come back.

It’s worth at least considering. You may of disturbed a front sensor when you did all the work. Ours didn’t come up on the dash and sorry, can’t remember if we had a code.

Cheers,

[bener]

Originally Posted by alexbrown64

Hey mate ours did this too at low speed.
Not saying it is this, but check your ABS sensors. JScan can do live data of individual wheel speeds. Also, have some one look at your wheels when pulling away.

What can happen is if a wheel speed sensor is intermittently faulty, it sends a signal to the opposite wheel to lock the brake on as it thinks it’s in a skid and is trying to correct it.

Wow, this is not something I would have ever though of! If the parts are cheap enough I might just replace them both. Thanks a lot for the input, much appreciated.

I have had the odd incorrect triggering of the traction control, so it could be related.

[alexbrown64]

For sure if your seeing the traction control light come up it may be related. A also pulled all the plugs from diffs, transfer cases rear abs, under backseat module etc and. Sprayed them with a contact cleaner/lubricant from JCar. This also helped with signal loss. You have JScan so it’s easy to check codes and wheel speed problems from the app. Also, try clean the rear tone rings. Only buy Mopar sensors if possible. Aftermarket still gave us problems. Front tone rings are built into the wheel bearing sealed units, but you can still get separate sensors if needed.

Cheers,

[Clarky]

Quick question?
Did you tighten up the lower control arms with the weight of the Jeep on the suspension (sitting on the ground) OR with the front end up in the air?

Needs to be done on the ground so bush's sit in a neutral position with full weight of the vehicle on them.

Top bush of diff easy to check, if you crawl under and push the diff up and it moves more then 10mm its stuffed.

Another thing, is it a QDII?
Have you changed you diff oil lately?
Diff oil needs friction modifier in it to stop binding, noticeable when turning on hard surfaces.

[bener]

Originally Posted by Clarky

Quick question?
Did you tighten up the lower control arms with the weight of the Jeep on the suspension (sitting on the ground) OR with the front end up in the air?

Needs to be done on the ground so bush's sit in a neutral position with full weight of the vehicle on them.

Top bush of diff easy to check, if you crawl under and push the diff up and it moves more then 10mm its stuffed.

Another thing, is it a QDII?
Have you changed you diff oil lately?
Diff oil needs friction modifier in it to stop binding, noticeable when turning on hard surfaces.

Thanks for the response. I did tighten with everything loaded up, and the diff seems solid.

Yes it's QDII - I've recently done both diffs for the second time since I've owned it, using the correct oil and mopar friction modifier. I'm wondering if something is wrong there, I may have to do it again as a test.