Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Hi there,

I was preparing to buy a new (2011) JK but decided to go for a TJ instead. I just like the look of the TJ series better.

Anyway, today I was slowly driving along a two track trail that runs alongside the fence bordering pasture land. Nothing too rough, just regular undulations as would be expected.

Everytime the Jeep went over these undulations (slowly) I could hear and feel what seemed like snapping, or something binding and then letting go.

I suspect worn suspension components are the culprit, or worn u-joints.

What do you guys think?

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Hi. Well,you gotta get under there and inspect.No 2 ways 'bout it.first check all your steering and suspension components-anything hanging? broken? Then look closer.for a noise like you described it could be anything.can you be more specific?like approx.where it's coming from,is it when the front goes over a bump it does it..or the rear.
Could be the suspension arms or coil springs,or shocks,or a piece of foreign material stuck in there......

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Thanks beserkur.

The noise seems, for the most part, to be coming from the left side, under the driver.

I can also hear a slight clunk in the rear when shifting gears.

A fellow with an '06 TJ mentioned his Jeep requiring new rubber ( bands?) . Not sure if he was pulling my leg or not but he said that it quieted his TJ up and they probably would need to be replaced every couple of years. Perhaps he meant bushings or isolators?

I should mention that most of the noise isn't evident when just riding around on smooth paved roads, but starts to show up on rougher sections and when turning up into the driveway.

When I bought it in July I gave it a good inspection underneath but couldn't see anything obviously wrong other than a slight leak in the power steering. I went on a trip overseas for a month, so have put less than 80 miles on it so far.

The first thing I will do is try to remove the skid plate so I can get a look at the transfer case.

I'm no longer driving the Jeep until I can determine the problem and get it fixed.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Well exactly like it was said. You own a jeep now. Get to know components and how they work.
Even though a mechanical inspection was done, they probably went ~ yup it was one ~ check!
Start with the basics, check u-joints, tie rods, drive shafts, shocks, for looseness, for movement.
Then the next is have someone else drive it slowly past you, conducting the same movement you encountered. Then check for yourself.

Also make sure you support your rear shaft before you remove the skid plate as it's what supporting the driveline !!

Good luck and remember JEEP ~ Just Empty Every Pocket !!

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Thanks for the tips, especially the skid plate one.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Did you find what's making the noise?

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

No, havn't had a chance to get at it yet. Not driving it til I can have a good look at it. In the meantime I'm going to order a shop manual... any recommendations for a good manual?

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Have you looked into the Haynes manuals sold at most Cdn Tire Stores for around $15. very complete strip down of a complete motor etc.. I had one for the 89 xj and another for my 03 tj.. I find them number 1

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Ya, I'm aware of the Haynes manuals, have used them in the past for other vehicles and they are good. Just wondering if someone knows of another one to consider.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Check front stabilizer links for seperation

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Thanks Herbie.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

you can check here http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-se...uals/index.htm

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Thanks Sid.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Don't waste your money on the higher priced manuals..you get most of everything you need from the Haynes manual.Plus you got us to ask if you need to know anything more.;)

Just get somebody to move the Jeep back and forth and listen for the noise,or if you have to,take it to a reputable shop and have it looked at-inspection only,it shouldn't cost too much just to have it looked at.From there you can determine if you are able to tackle the job yourself.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

I bought the Haynes manual yesterday on the way to work..

I havn't had a chance to get near the TJ yet, too busy working.

As I mentioned before, the Jeep only makes these sounds while going over big undulations in the field. So, it won't be as easy as getting somone to come over to move the Jeep back and forth in my driveway.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

I would check the front shock (may be loose or broken) sway bar bushings (worn or out of grease), end link bushings (same), tie rod end (loose or worn), and ball joints (same). Check and make sure your coil spring is seated properly it may be out of position or the upper or lower isolator may be torn.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Thanks for the tips 04WJGuy. I should be able to get her raised up on stands this weekend coming and begine pulling and prodding.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Have you thought about buying ear plugs?...lol.

If it's anything significant you'll find it right away.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

could be something small like the bottom of the front shock moving on the bar pin,these move around a bit as the axle moves, they might just be reaching the end and making noise,i use my jeep quite hard and have had the bottom shock bushings come right out of the shocks on a serious trail

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

If the noise yo are talking about in the front is directly under the drivers floor board I would guess that it is a worn control arm bushing. As for the clunking noise in the rear when shifting gears, i would suspect a worn universal joint.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Sid and Craig, thanks for your input.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

I also forgot to mention that I bought a chrysler service manual on disk off of ebay. It is the same as the ones used by dodge/chrysler technicians. It was only about $20 and has everything , even the error codes. Best of luck with your jeep. Get it runnin good so you can break more stuff! LOL!

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

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Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Well,got underneath it today and determined the following.

Slop in the driveshafts, so likely will be looking at U-joints.

Rear anti-sway bar bushings are worn, plenty of play there and explains the knocking sound I hear in the rear when going over bumps.

Front anti-sway bars links ( not sure what they are called) , the passenger side boot is torn exposing the joint.

Didn't find any other serious looking wear, the coil springs are all seated correctly and all the rubber donoughts look good. No real rust underneath, just some surface stuff hear and there.

Changed the oil and filter while I was at it.

Still have to get it out on some uneven ground and have someone drive it slowly while I get down and follow along.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

this might be helpfull.http://www.polybushings.com/index.html