92 Cherokee front end noise

[sonicbrew]

I have a 92 Cherokee, 4WD. I'm hearing a vibrating/thumping noise from the drivers side front end while turning only. The noise and vibration is more pronounced when turning to the left. All of the ball joints are lubricated, but old, as well as all of the other suspensions parts. However, everything looks intact. I can feel a slight bit of slop in the steering while steering. Any help would be appreciated.

[LittleHoov]

everything looks intact.

But how does it Feeeeeel? haha

You need to get under there and start pulling, tugging and shaking on things.

With the symptoms youve described, and the age of the vehicle I would start with the track-bar, it runs from the front axle to a bracket on the driver side of the vehicle. The side that mounts to the axle has a bushing, but only rarely does it cause problems, still give it a good shaking anyway...the driver side has basically a tie-rod end on the end of it, which can wear out and cause the symptoms you are describing, it should move a little bit, but tightly. There should be no up and down movement possible in relation to the bracket. The tie-rod end on the track-bar cannot be replaced, and requires the whole bar to be replaced, they run between 30-50 dollars.

Otherwise just check things out, lift up one wheel and a time and check for play in the steering tie-rods. Also check out the u-joins on your axle-shafts.

Some people recommend laying under the vehicle with the engine OFF, and having someone else turn the wheel a bit and see if you can see anything quirky. I never really cared for that approach though.

Bottom line, I think you're gonna have to get your hands dirty!