I have a 2011 JKU with rockkrawler 2.5" stock mod kit and bilstein shocks. Front adjustable trackbar.

I cannot for the life of me figure out what is causing this creaking I get that blatently comes from the front left tire. You can hear it from the driver seat and its very loud when it happens. It doesn't always make noise. Sometimes it will stay quiet for a week like nothing is wrong and then the next week it will drive me insane.

It also does not happen when driving straight.

I have inspected/retorqued the trackbar twice. I HIGHLY doubt that is the issue.

Could it be something in the steering parts?

I don't know what to do at this point I am going to have to pay someone

 

Check the rubber spacer on top of the front shock. If you have the stock ones put them back on (the stock rubber spacer). I had the same problem with the ones that came with my 5100s. Annoying but easy to fix.

 

It only makes noise on turns though?

I can make the slightest turn without my foot on the gas and it will make the noise. Going straight almost never makes a peep.

I've stood on my bumper and jumped up and down pretty hard and it doesn't make a sound that's why I figured it wasn't the suspension.

 

Check your ball joints.

 

Ehhh how do I do that? Kinda learning as I go.

 

Jack the front tire of your JK up and grab the tire at 12 and 6 and see if you have any movement. You also can jack it just a couple inches and place a pry bar between the tire and the ground and pry up on the tire and see if there is any movement.

This may help you see if your ball joints are worn out. They may be fine and just need some grease. Stock ball joints are garbage, you may need to but a needle fitting on a grease gun and shoot some grease into the ball joint under the rubber boot.

 

So if it has any movement, it's shot?

Is it normal for these things to go at less than 2 years? Is it something that my lift created?

I'm still under warranty but I doubt they will touch it with the lift on it.

 

The stock bjs are junk and sometimes go at 10k...I would have someone turn the wheel for u while u lay on the ground and inspect the front and try and narrow down where the noise is coming from.. It def could be a ball joint as they rotate when u turn. Put your hands on parts while the wheel is being turned. U can also use a loong screwdriver and place the handle end on your ear, and other end on part in question.. Its like a stethoscope..

 

Lol that's a cool trick with the screwdriver.

It usually takes forward or backwards movement with the turn for it to make noise but sometimes it will do it slightly just sitting still turning quickly left and right on the wheel.


If it is the ball joint, should I attempt to change it myself? The lift is my most extensive wrench work and it was fairly easy.

How much do the replacement parts cost?

How much does a mechanic charge?

Should I even try the dealer or will they laugh at me with the lift?

Sorry for 50 questions.

 

Ball joints are about as difficult as installing a lift. You can rent the press at most auto parts stores for about 100bucks that they return to you once done. The ballpoints themselves vary in price I went with ******* since I didn't feel like shelling out 500 for dynatracs. It's about a 5hr job so doing it yourself will save 200-400 bucks depending on the shop. I didn't even consider dealer since the stock joints are so weak. Lots of write ups on here and YouTube.