My JK Rubicon Unlimited had developed a loud clunk in the front suspension. I’m hoping someone out there might have an idea what it could be.

My setup;
Teraflex 2.5 budget boost with Teraflex adj. front upper control arms to fix the camber. Stock shocks with shock adapters. About 40K on the Jeep, 30 after after the suspension lift.

When coming almost to stop at slow speed uphill or down I get a loud clunk just as the body seems to be settling on the suspension. It will sometimes happen on a bump as well. The sound is clearly coming from the font end, not the rear. It is sounds like it is coming from the front wheel area on both sides, not from where the control arms attach to the frame.

Everything looks OK. No loose nuts I can find. I cannot replicate the sound by simply jacking up the suspension. Any ideas?

 

Check your shocks, especially the upper mount. Do you have the stock X or the X gas charged shocks? The small stock x ones are crap. Lotta people been bustin them

 

yea check them shocks re torque everything and make sure the springs are seated properly!!!!!!!!

 

check any bolts or the frame for any wear. the springs might be rubbing on one or both. my left spring was hitting a bolt (pitman arm).

 

also while youre looking at your shocks, check the bushings, they can dry out and crack

 

NUMBER: 23-008-07
GROUP: Body
DATE: February 24, 2007

SUBJECT:
Oil Canning, Popping, or Thumping-Like Sound From Front Passenger Area During Body Twist

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves creating two depressions in the front floor pan at the transmission tunnel area to reduce panel flex.

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built on or before September 07, 2006 (MDH 0907XX).

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience an oil canning, thumping, or popping-like sound from the front passenger area. The sound may be misdiagnosed as a suspect shock absorber or rebound bumper.

TSB NUMBER: 23-008-07
http://project-jk.com/images/tsb/TSB_23-008-07.pdf

 

Faulty Ball Joints?

 

We had the same thing with this lift and I think it might have been the springs seating properly. It has since stopped after everything was checked and double checked....good luck.

 

Stick your hand inside your wheel well and feel for where the top of the shock comes through the mount. There should be a washer and bushing there secured with a nut. IF all you feel is a jiggly washer then you found your problem. The bushing is gone.
If this is your problem then basically whats happening is you have about 1/2" of play between the top of your shock body and the mount.

Ive been through 3 of em. had the dealership replace it once and it disintegrated again. After that I just replaced em with some big ass super thick O rings.



There should be something similar on top like the bushing you see on the bottom.