I have an '08 with an AEV 3.5" and synergy tie rod and drag link. It's been wheeled plenty. I have a front end groaning that randomly started long after my last off road trip. I'm guessing something loosened up but this doesn't seem to be from any acute event since it developed randomly. Any ideas what to check? It makes the sound over bumps and it's amplified while I'm turning. No clunking felt so maybe it's a control arm bushing? Nothing feels like it's binding or popping, just a groaning sound. Thanks in advance

 

To amend, the closest thing I can compare it to is a bed squeaking, but much lower pitched

 

I recently had a similar problem on my 2009. Groaning sound from the front as you described. Diagnosed as a bad front wheel bearing.

Jack up your tires and see if you have wobble as shown in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhccj4Z8Jho

 

Hmm. I did something like this a month to try to see if my ball joints had play and nothing moved when I jacked up the jeep

 

Does the noise happen when stationary, or only in motion? Does it change with speed? Any way to catch it on video?

 

Doesn't do it stationary when I rock the jeep. Most noticeable when turning passenger and I hear it on driver side. I can try to catch it on video

 

Groaning while steering is typically a bearing issue I think. When you jack it up and wiggle the tires there should be no movement. While it's in the air you can also wiggle your driveshaft and see if there is any play there.

- keyboard mechanic.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm uploading a string of clips to youtube now and I'll post the link once it's done uploading. Eager to gather opinions after sharing the video.

 

Here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcFuHoSExIU&feature=youtu.be Notice that it really only makes the sound while turning the wheel passenger. Watch through it's only 40 seconds or so and I gathered quite a few clips.

 

Good job capturing the sound. I know you mentioned rocking it, but have you sat in front of it and had someone sitting inside turning the wheel back and forth while you watch/listen? Subscribed to see if anyone can identify that just by the sound. Wasn't quite the groaning I was expecting, but everyone describes sounds a bit differently.