Hey all, I have a 2001 TJ, 5 speed, 4.0. Whenever im making a sharp turn and cut the wheel the entire way left or right, There's a very loud grinding noise coming from the front end.
Im a new owner so dont know much about these vehicles yet. Any suggestions on what it may be? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

-Brent

 

First thing that comes to mind is a bearing or u-joint maybe?

 

Do u have a lift? If so u may be hitting the bump stops (actually it may be ur shock or spring when u turn sharp), to correct this either don't full turn or replace or adjust the bump stops. As the member said above cud be what he said too. Raise the front end off the ground. Place 1 hand at the top and 1 at the bottom of the wheel and try to move the tire like side ways. If its a bearing u shud feel the looseness or joint u may even hear a clunk sound, also u can spin the wheel and listen u may hear the grinding sound (under $100 for a wheel bearing)

 

Im pretty good when it comes to regular vehicle mechanics. Its not the wheel bearing or ball joint. It sounds like its coming from the front axle. Besides this the vehicle seems to run the way it should.

 

maybe theres a bearing toasted in the diff housing.. pinion or carrier bearing.
check your breather tubes maybe it came off and got water in there that will cause some trouble for ya.

 

We pondered over this this am at breakfast usual 2 other mechanics sitting in. 1 brot up something i was going to add above-some dirt may have gotten in ur brake, a small rock embedded around the pad and it echo's sounding like its coming from another place. Try blowing air around the braking or the dust cover may have some small dirt . Keep us posted

 

Ok ill have a look, I dont think though as its only there when I completely cut the wheel one way or the other.
The more I drive it the more im finding out potential problems. I cant tell if the 4x4 works now and the trans seems to shift really rough. I might just take it to a garage and get them to completely check everything.

 

I'm thinking axle joint......

 

This happened to me when i put tires on the wrong back spaced rims,
please let us know what lift, tires and rim back spacing you have.

As others have stated, make turns where you do not need full turn,
i.e. do 3 point turns, until your problem is identified and rectified...

Billy

 

Yup! Its the tires rubbing, Need a spacer kit. For now I just take shorter turns