1998 JGC knocking noise

[nrdame]

My 1998 JGC makes a knocking noise, like something is loose, when I go over bumps in the road at any speed while city driving. The noise is coming from the front of the vehicle and occurs when either the left front wheel or right front wheel hit a bump. I called the dealership and they want $40 for them to look at it and tell me what is wrong, I thought I would ask you first before I take it in. Any ideas?

[JDPascal]

One possible cause that was making noise on mine was the disc brake pads. The caliper mount that holds the pads wear at the contact point. Some sets of new pads come with shims that take up the space caused by the wear. I know my last set of napa pads had the shims included. They are a select fit for each pad.

JD

[mobrien]

I had the same problem twice, same issue. The front stablizer bar, which is about 3/4" - 1" thick & goes across the entire front end, connects to verticle linkages with rubber bushings & a nut on top similar to a tie rod end. On both sides, the stud snapped at the top. Under stress (driving over bumps or turning) the sway bar lifts up & then drops back down onto the linkage making the noise. When sitting, it can look OK if you don't know what you're looking at. You have to look for the nut on top; if it's not there the linkage is broken & needs to be replaced. The good news is that they cost $20-30 each & only require standard tools. Piece of cake if you're at all mechanically inclined.

[yjjeeper]

1997 Grand Cherokee Limited, same knocking noise. Here is the problem...Sway bar....$24.99 @ local parts store. Quick and easy fix.