popping noise when i turn steering wheel

ok
i have a 96 xj 4.0 4wd 216000 miles the other day when i was in line to get my rig washed i noticed a loud popping noise when i turn the steering wheel back and fourth, when i got out of the car wash it wasn't as loud as before but as the day went on it started to get loud again, i am pretty sure it is coming from the steering linkage to the steering box, has anyone had this problem before? any possible solutions:mad:

I have a 94 with same problem... The ball joints are what is bad on mine, mainly because the lower ones are sealed and can not be greased... After a while without it, they become dry and rough, causing the popping noise you are hearing.

what temp is outside now when you start your car?does it happen when engine is cold?it seems to be steereng pump - first check fluid level-if les than it should be-fill up and then see what happens,,,
if that doesn't help-must be pump broken