Clunking along in 4x4

[stevedad25]

About three days ago I started to notice a clunking sound coming from the drivers side wheel on my 98 Sport. It's most noticable when turning the wheel in 4 wheel drive but I have also heard it when starting to drive straight from a stop, about 10 feet into it. I thought it could be the wheel bearings or ball joints but when I'm not in 4x4 it's fine. I'm thinking CV joint. I know the Cherokee are known for their short turning radius and that this causes the front end to "hop" while turning in 4x4. It is not due to this. It is a definite clunk which is more pronounced when turning.

Thanks Steve

[gtmud]

Check your U-joints in the front axle, good chance that they are gone. If so, easy replacement. Either pull the axles and take them toa machine shop to have the old cups pressed out, and the new joints installed. You could do it yourself, but I recommend the first way, just make sure that the jiont works freely, no binding at all!

[mx52nv]

if it is the wheel hub bearings, you would get a lot of road noise as well during normal driving, and more noise around corners. start with the cv joints, which are cheaper than new wheel hub assemblies.