Clunking???

[JPKIDD]

I am getting a weird “clunk” every time I turn the wheel a quarter tern to the right or to the left.  I had Lindsay out turning the wheel while I stuck my ear everywhere under the frond end.  All my linkage, track bar, control arms all seems to be fine.  It almost seems like it is coming from the steering box.  It will only clunk once that first quarter turn.  What dose this mean?  New steering box or can you re-build them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Kirk

[Bnine]

Hold the trackbar, draglink, each tie rod, place a hand on top of the ball joints, etc etc etc. Then have someone replicate the clunk.

Try and find where you can feel it the strongest.

I've had this before and it was a trackbar bushing once, a loose trackbar another time, and a seized ball joint one other.

Anyways, definately try a little harder to narrow down the source, then go from there.

good luck

[JPKIDD]

Thanks,  I should have mentioned that I could feel the vibration in the front bumper.  That is why I think it is the steering box.

[Bnine]

If you are pretty sure its in the box, try disconnecting the draglink and get it to clunk again. It might not do it, or might be a lot less noticable with no load on the box, but if it does, you've found your problem.

Forgot to mention check the steering shaft u joints as well, even though if it was them, they'd likely do it every rotation.

[bae146]

I had the same problem with my yj.  I took out the box and had it overhauled.  To bad I didn't notice the u-joint on the steering shaft was causing the clunking problem.  I shot it with some Tri-Flow lubricant  and unsiezed the joint and all is well now.  The quarter turn symptom gives it away as the u-joint.  Lube it up good and let us know.  At least someone can learn from my mistakes.  Save you 300 bucks too.

[JPKIDD]

Forgot to mention check the steering shaft u joints as well, even though if it was them, they'd likely do it every rotation.

My thoughts as well.  I will try the lub on the steering shaft and let you know.  Thanks guys.

[bae146]

Forgot to mention check the steering shaft u joints as well, even though if it was them, they'd likely do it every rotation.

My thoughts as well. I will try the lub on the steering shaft and let you know. Thanks guys

If only one side of your joint is sticking you will get 1/4 turn of free movement, then it will bind for 1/2 turn, then free for 1/2 turn.  I dont remember how many turns you get lock to lock but I would guess you will get 2 clunks one way and two the other.  Do you do a lot of highyway driving?  I know I do and it seams that because most of my driving on only 1/4 turn each way, (with the water and salt spraying on the joint) the other half of the joint sees very little movement allowing it to stick.  Let us know what you discover.  I jscked up the front end of my jeep so I could work the steering easier to work in the lube.