88 XJ knock

[1meanvenge]

Hey guys. I'm new here. I bought an 88 Cherokee as a winter beater and I just started getting a knocking noise coming from the front end. It only happens in 4WD when I let off the gas. The speed of the knock depends on the speed of the truck. Sounds kind of like a loose axle type noise. Any ideas?
thanks

[jeepguzzi]

I would guess that you have a worn out U-Joint at one of the wheels or on the front driveshaft.

[Will Morris]

I believe '88 had the vacuum disconnect front axle. I know my 89 did. There's a lot of stuff up there such as wheel U-Joints, the axle disconnect, and the driveshaft which can all cause that kind of noise. Does it make any clicking or clunking going around turns in 4WD? If not then I'd be less inclined to think it's an axle shaft U-Joint and would then concentrate more on the disconnect system of the axle shafts and the drive shaft, but if I had to guess, I'd say driveshaft. That's what it was on my 78.

Will

[Stuka]

1meanvenge: welcome to the forum smile.gif

If it was a axle u-joint wouldent it always do it? Since the hubs dont unlock...so the u-joint is always turning. This would lead me to think its more of a u-joint problem...but still wise to check both.

[J10/J20 Project]

1meanvenge, welcome. I do believe that only some of the early xj's had cv type axle shafts. I would bet yours are u-joints. With the car parked just jump under the front end and start moving your axle in a twisting motion like it would be in drive or reverse. I had a cracked cap and could tell something was wrong. Look at the u-joint caps also. Don't forget to check your front driveline also. I hope this helps

[ December 04, 2002, 09:31 PM: Message edited by: J10/J20 Project ]