L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

Hi Eric,
I would be thinking more along the lines of bad wheel bearings or
axle Universal joints making a constant noise. Or maybe the sway bar or
track bar, if it just makes noise over bumps, or on uneven turns like
entering a driveway. Bad tie rod ends just make the steering wheel feel
sloppy, but I can't imagine them making noise. To remove tie rods ends
from the their tapered press fit, I use a puller:
http://www.darksiderz.co.uk/technica...010037_JPG.jpg Or
if you're not saving the parts a pickle fork, and a big M f**kin'
hammer: http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/front...nt-track08.jpg Be
sure and retorque and key the end you had apart, I've heard of too many
break loose and spin out.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Eric wrote:
>
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

Hi Eric,
I would be thinking more along the lines of bad wheel bearings or
axle Universal joints making a constant noise. Or maybe the sway bar or
track bar, if it just makes noise over bumps, or on uneven turns like
entering a driveway. Bad tie rod ends just make the steering wheel feel
sloppy, but I can't imagine them making noise. To remove tie rods ends
from the their tapered press fit, I use a puller:
http://www.darksiderz.co.uk/technica...010037_JPG.jpg Or
if you're not saving the parts a pickle fork, and a big M f**kin'
hammer: http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/front...nt-track08.jpg Be
sure and retorque and key the end you had apart, I've heard of too many
break loose and spin out.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Eric wrote:
>
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

Hi Eric,
I would be thinking more along the lines of bad wheel bearings or
axle Universal joints making a constant noise. Or maybe the sway bar or
track bar, if it just makes noise over bumps, or on uneven turns like
entering a driveway. Bad tie rod ends just make the steering wheel feel
sloppy, but I can't imagine them making noise. To remove tie rods ends
from the their tapered press fit, I use a puller:
http://www.darksiderz.co.uk/technica...010037_JPG.jpg Or
if you're not saving the parts a pickle fork, and a big M f**kin'
hammer: http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/front...nt-track08.jpg Be
sure and retorque and key the end you had apart, I've heard of too many
break loose and spin out.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Eric wrote:
>
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE

Mike Romain

On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to buy
the whole $120.00 or so part.

They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose side to
side.

You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
rocking the steering wheel?

Have you check the power steering fluid?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Eric wrote:
>
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE

Mike Romain

On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to buy
the whole $120.00 or so part.

They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose side to
side.

You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
rocking the steering wheel?

Have you check the power steering fluid?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Eric wrote:
>
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE

Mike Romain

On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to buy
the whole $120.00 or so part.

They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose side to
side.

You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
rocking the steering wheel?

Have you check the power steering fluid?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Eric wrote:
>
> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
> could hear the grinding.
>
> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was the
> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me, I'd
> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>
> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of cake.
> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out of
> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's making
> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder if
> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you shoot
> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>
> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like that?
> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>
> Eric
> 99 TJ SE

Eric

Thanks for the tips, Bill.

I haven't been very clear about a few things.

1. The noise is while the vehicle is NOT MOVING. Just sitting in my
driveway, turning the wheel left and right.
2. I got the tie rod end out of the drag link. That was easy. I found
using two hammers and smacking the drag link on either side was enough to
loosen it up. All it needed then was a tap on the end to get out. However,
getting the tie rod end out of the TIE ROD is another issue altogether.

Axle ujoints?!? Where the heck are those?

Eric
99 TJ SE

"L.W. ("ßill") ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:424F907F.E55BB611@***.net...
> Hi Eric,
> I would be thinking more along the lines of bad wheel bearings or
> axle Universal joints making a constant noise. Or maybe the sway bar or
> track bar, if it just makes noise over bumps, or on uneven turns like
> entering a driveway. Bad tie rod ends just make the steering wheel feel
> sloppy, but I can't imagine them making noise. To remove tie rods ends
> from the their tapered press fit, I use a puller:
> http://www.darksiderz.co.uk/technica...010037_JPG.jpg Or
> if you're not saving the parts a pickle fork, and a big M f**kin'
> hammer: http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/front...nt-track08.jpg Be
> sure and retorque and key the end you had apart, I've heard of too many
> break loose and spin out.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Eric wrote:
>>
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the
>> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
>> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me,
>> I'd
>> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake.
>> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out
>> of
>> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
>> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
>> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's
>> making
>> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder
>> if
>> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
>> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you
>> shoot
>> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that?
>> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE

Eric

Thanks for the tips, Bill.

I haven't been very clear about a few things.

1. The noise is while the vehicle is NOT MOVING. Just sitting in my
driveway, turning the wheel left and right.
2. I got the tie rod end out of the drag link. That was easy. I found
using two hammers and smacking the drag link on either side was enough to
loosen it up. All it needed then was a tap on the end to get out. However,
getting the tie rod end out of the TIE ROD is another issue altogether.

Axle ujoints?!? Where the heck are those?

Eric
99 TJ SE

"L.W. ("ßill") ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:424F907F.E55BB611@***.net...
> Hi Eric,
> I would be thinking more along the lines of bad wheel bearings or
> axle Universal joints making a constant noise. Or maybe the sway bar or
> track bar, if it just makes noise over bumps, or on uneven turns like
> entering a driveway. Bad tie rod ends just make the steering wheel feel
> sloppy, but I can't imagine them making noise. To remove tie rods ends
> from the their tapered press fit, I use a puller:
> http://www.darksiderz.co.uk/technica...010037_JPG.jpg Or
> if you're not saving the parts a pickle fork, and a big M f**kin'
> hammer: http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/front...nt-track08.jpg Be
> sure and retorque and key the end you had apart, I've heard of too many
> break loose and spin out.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Eric wrote:
>>
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the
>> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
>> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me,
>> I'd
>> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake.
>> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out
>> of
>> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
>> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
>> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's
>> making
>> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder
>> if
>> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
>> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you
>> shoot
>> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that?
>> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE

Eric

Thanks for the tips, Bill.

I haven't been very clear about a few things.

1. The noise is while the vehicle is NOT MOVING. Just sitting in my
driveway, turning the wheel left and right.
2. I got the tie rod end out of the drag link. That was easy. I found
using two hammers and smacking the drag link on either side was enough to
loosen it up. All it needed then was a tap on the end to get out. However,
getting the tie rod end out of the TIE ROD is another issue altogether.

Axle ujoints?!? Where the heck are those?

Eric
99 TJ SE

"L.W. ("ßill") ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:424F907F.E55BB611@***.net...
> Hi Eric,
> I would be thinking more along the lines of bad wheel bearings or
> axle Universal joints making a constant noise. Or maybe the sway bar or
> track bar, if it just makes noise over bumps, or on uneven turns like
> entering a driveway. Bad tie rod ends just make the steering wheel feel
> sloppy, but I can't imagine them making noise. To remove tie rods ends
> from the their tapered press fit, I use a puller:
> http://www.darksiderz.co.uk/technica...010037_JPG.jpg Or
> if you're not saving the parts a pickle fork, and a big M f**kin'
> hammer: http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/front...nt-track08.jpg Be
> sure and retorque and key the end you had apart, I've heard of too many
> break loose and spin out.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Eric wrote:
>>
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the
>> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
>> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me,
>> I'd
>> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake.
>> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out
>> of
>> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
>> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
>> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's
>> making
>> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder
>> if
>> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
>> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you
>> shoot
>> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that?
>> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE

Eric

> You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
> rocking the steering wheel?

YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running, as I
can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without power
assist!)

Eric

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
> On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to buy
> the whole $120.00 or so part.
>
> They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose side to
> side.
>
> You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
> rocking the steering wheel?
>
> Have you check the power steering fluid?
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>
> Eric wrote:
>>
>> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the point I
>> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other end
>> could hear the grinding.
>>
>> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag link was
>> the
>> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of mine
>> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to me,
>> I'd
>> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>
>> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece of
>> cake.
>> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting it out
>> of
>> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end and
>> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie rod.
>> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how that's
>> making
>> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and wonder
>> if
>> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint at the
>> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if you
>> shoot
>> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>>
>> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck like
>> that?
>> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good leverage.
>>
>> Eric
>> 99 TJ SE