steering question

Hey everybody, a couple of weeks ago I went off roading with my xj and while I was off roading i notice every time I turn the steering wheel left or right it makes a knocking sound. it never did it before i went off roading with it. Is it serious and need to fix it right away? and what could be the problem?
thanx JJ

Is the noise in the column or under the truck?

check your u joints and your tie rod ends.

Sounds like you better get underneath and start tugging and puling on stuff.

Does it knock when you go over a bump?

get a sterring brac for it do you have big tires on it like 31's or bigger and do you have a locker in the front?
rusty's offroad has the brac you need for $60.00

Is the noise in the column or under the truck?


the noise sounds like its coming from under the truck

Sounds like you better get underneath and start tugging and puling on stuff.

Does it knock when you go over a bump?


nope it doesn't make the noise when i go over bumps only when i turn left or right.

i asked my auto teacher and he said it might be something in the steering box, like a bearing or something.

Could be but I would bet ball joints or tie rod ends. have someone turn the wheel back and fourth while you listen and try to pin point the source of the noise. May also try to lube the chassis and see if that gets rid of it.

Like Steve says, have someone turn the wheel while you look/listen underneath. If you see something loose, stop turning the wheel, then grab the part and shake it to see if there's any play. Make sure your friends hands are off the steering wheel. You can even do this with the engine off.

BTW: Did you powerwash any mud/dirt off the undercarriage after off roading? My 88 was making a clunking noise when I turned and it turned out to be the lower steering shaft universals. Once I lubbed them up well, it stopped. It started after I worked on an oil leak and went a bit crazy with the degreaser.

well i had my sis. turn the wheel for me, and i've pin pointed the sound its either coming from the steering box or from the steering box to the steering wheel. so i guess ill take it to an auto shop, and have them do that and check out my rear wheels, because i hear like metallic granting like metal rubing agains metal, or my bearings not greased. so thanks for al your help guys.!

JJ