Knocking sound in the front end - tie rod gone to crap?

[TheGrendel]

So, I started having this knocking in the front when turning and on bumps. Annoying as shit. I have jacked up my Gladiator 4 different times trying to figure it out.

Things I have done

1) Trackbar torqued and joints solid
2) all control arms torqued and joints solid
3) removed driveshaft
4) did the pry bar under a wheel to check for ball joint movement
5) after watching Disciple's video on the bad aluminum knuckles I jacked up a wheel specifically watching for lateral movement. Cannot see anything

At this point, the only thing I can make noise with is the tie rod. Its the OEM tie rod. I replaced the draglink already. The tie rod flops around pretty good.

I don't mind upgrading my tie rod. But, before I just spend money to spend money, has anyone else run into an OEM tie rod going bad before 60K miles? How much movement is there normally in the tie rod ends?

Thanks.

 

[-AINOKEA-]

I don’t think there should be any movement.

 

[Mike Pierson]

So, I started having this knocking in the front when turning and on bumps. Annoying as shit. I have jacked up my Gladiator 4 different times trying to figure it out.

Things I have done

1) Trackbar torqued and joints solid
2) all control arms torqued and joints solid
3) removed driveshaft
4) did the pry bar under a wheel to check for ball joint movement
5) after watching Disciple's video on the bad aluminum knuckles I jacked up a wheel specifically watching for lateral movement. Cannot see anything

At this point, the only thing I can make noise with is the tie rod. Its the OEM tie rod. I replaced the draglink already. The tie rod flops around pretty good.

I don't mind upgrading my tie rod. But, before I just spend money to spend money, has anyone else run into an OEM tie rod going bad before 60K miles? How much movement is there normally in the tie rod ends?

Thanks.

There should only be fore/aft movement at all. If there’s any side to side, then the ends are bad. Take it off and see if there’s any slop in the ends.

 

[CalSgt]

There should only be fore/aft movement at all. If there’s any side to side, then the ends are bad. Take it off and see if there’s any slop in the ends.

^^^^ This

Lay under the front end and have someone crank the steering wheel back and forth, just far enough to generate movement at the tires. Look, listen and feel for movement in anything.

 

[Disciple Off Road]

I don't mind upgrading my tie rod. But, before I just spend money to spend money, has anyone else run into an OEM tie rod going bad before 60K miles? How much movement is there normally in the tie rod ends?

I think we end up replacing JL/JT factory steering more any anything else. 60K miles is actually really good compared to what we have seen come through.

 

[TheGrendel]

I think we end up replacing JL/JT factory steering more any anything else. 60K miles is actually really good compared to what we have seen come through.

That’s what I love most. Sure stellantis jacked up the prices beyond belief but at least they upped the quality of parts.

 

[TOPLESS]

I had what sounded like a ball joint noise which turned out being a loose steering box bolt.
I also had the original aluminum steering box replaced shortly after buying my 20' with a oem steel one. If I remember correctly I found a recall for the replacement box.

 

[wayoflife]

Of the things you've checked, I see that sway bar links were not one of them. I have seen this be the source of knocking on multiple new Jeeps.

 

[TheGrendel]

Of the things you've checked, I see that sway bar links were not one of them. I have seen this be the source of knocking on multiple new Jeeps.

Also have been checked. I have aftermarket swaybar end links. torqued and no noise.

 

[CalSgt]

Also have been checked. I have aftermarket swaybar end links. torqued and no noise.

It looks like the jeep in your profile pic has King hydro bumps... My King bumps have loosened up a few times and will "clunk" at random times when loose.

 

[TheGrendel]

It looks like the jeep in your profile pic has King hydro bumps... My King bumps have loosened up a few times and will "clunk" at random times when loose.

different Jeep. picture in my profile is my JKU and yes it has King bumps that I have to keep eye on as well.

 

[DirtHeadDavis]

What Mike said.

Also I know you already checked it but I had a similar noise a while ago under the exact same circumstances and it was a slightly loose lower control arm bolt.