I have a lound clunk sound coming from the front end when in reverse and wheels are cut hard right. Can anyone give me ideas of what to look for? Not a mechanic in any sense but I can put 2 and 2 together. New owner and all. Jeep is a 2016 2 door hard rock edition. No external modifications. 51000 ish miles. Thank you in advance.

 

Welcome to JKF.

 

Welcome to the forum. The first thing that jumps into my head is the backlash between the pinion and ring gear could be loose possibly from the crush sleeve on the pinion losing its torque and causing slop in the front doff. After that possibly front drive shaft issues. Wheels turned hard could mean bad u joints in axle shaft. At least its a place to start looking. If your will power to get it done is lacking, then sit back and watch some King of the Hammers... that should get you fired up to solve this issue.

 

even though it only happens with the wheel cut in one direction?

 

It makes me think of u-joints first cuz that is when there will be the most binding. Can you pinpoint the general location of the popping? might need a helper to drive slowly and turn in a large parking lot as you monitor from the corners.

 

it only happens in reverse when cutting wheel hard right. Sounds like it's coming from drivers side wheel but can't be sure. No issues with turning while going forward or turning hard left in reverse

 

U-joints can do some odd things. I would ask myself these things. Can I reproduce this at will under this circumstance? Is it a rotational sound (keeps clunking as the wheel spins)? If so, does the tire make a full revolution on between each clunk? I would seriously have someone slowly back up in a full turn circle as I was outside observing and listening. You should be able to pinpoint for sure if it's at the corner or middle of the jeep. If it's at the corner, there's not much else I could think of besides u-joint, unless there is a clearance issue with something. If it's a clearance issue, you should be able to spot it while observing.

 

It doesn't happen all the time. I'm working on it right now and can't replicate the sound (of course). I found that the studs for the wheel have a lot of play between them and the rotor I'm thinking that's it

 

Another check worth doing is loose suspension bolts (check them all) or worn bushings like the top ones in the front diff UCA's. Plus what the other posters say.

 

I found the tie rod and drag link to have excessive rotational play. I'm thinking this is likely the cause