Squeaky Jeep! Worn Steering Rack?

Jelg2000 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:21 am **Posts:** 20

Hi everyone! I’ve been lurking these and a few other forums for a few months. Now I’m hoping someone can lend some advice.
I have been trying to track the source of a front end noise for a few weeks to no avail.
Jeep Specs:
• 2006 4WD Jeep Liberty
• Jeepin by Al 2.5” Coilover Silver Package
o 22.5” Front and 21.5” Rear Fender to Axle CL
• Cut down CV joints
• 4XGUARD – Three Piece Skid System
• Skid Row Gas Tank Skid
• RRO Rock Sliders
• Daystar Sway Bar Bushings
• Replaced LBJ, Sway Bar Links, LCA Coilover Mount Bushing

So far I have torqued everything for the third time and checked for worn bushings. As for back story, I recently installed the lift back in August. It’s been making a light clunk and starts to exhibit a screeching metallic sound after 10 mins or so of good trail riding.
I’m beginning to think that the front steering rack or other inline component could be the problem. I’m leaning towards this because it seems as though the linkage is stressed when at full droop.
I’m open to all suggestions!
Jason

Some pics:

2015-10-10_08-01-00 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/123797481@N03/,

2015-10-10_08-00-42 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/123797481@N03/,

WhitbyKJ · **Posted:** Tue Oct 13, 2015 9:38 am

Jack the vehicle up from the cradle and have an assistant turn the wheels from lock to lock with the engine running. Observe for binding or excess movement in suspension components. Then while at full droop with the wheels turned all the way manual spin the wheel and listen. You may have to turn the engine off. Do this both directions, wheel turn both ways, for both wheels.

Then report back.

Jelg2000 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:21 am **Posts:** 20

Will do. Should be able to get to it this Friday.

I noticed a good amount of play from the steering rack due to its driver side bushing being shot. It's got a slow leak too so I've ordered a reman from Napa auto parts. I also ordered some Moog LCA bushings as they're looking pretty worn as well.

- Jason

Jelg2000 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:21 am **Posts:** 20

[url=https://flic.kr/p/zzVQL9]

After completing the test, I found binding between the tie rod end and sway bar at full droop and near full lock. You can see in the image that there's a shiny streak where the rubbing occurs.

I spent the last few hours replacing the steering rack and just took it for a test drive. Unfortunately, the clunk is still there! I have an order for the LCA bushings on the way. Once I replace them I'm out of ideas.

For anyone that has dealt with bad LCA bushings, what symptoms / noises were you hearing? I tried a 2' pry bay and could get about a quarter inch or more of play.

WhitbyKJ · **Posted:** Sun Oct 18, 2015 1:09 pm

I know for fact my lca bushings are trashed, they don't make noise bro.

Looking at your picture... Are you, (we as a collective) sure that you don't have your tie rod ends mixed up? Left to right?? It seems to me that if you were to flip them, left to right, it would move them away from your sway bar.

For me, post lift.. Clunking was always the sway bar end links not being tight enough. I read on here somewhere to just torque the $%#^ out of them.. Until the noise goes away.

Jelg2000 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:21 am **Posts:** 20

I was thinking the same thing in regards to the TRE.

Unfortunately someone committed a hit and run last night and now the Jeep may be done for. They hit the rear end, shoving the axle forward and damaging the body.

If totaled I may have a once used lift kit and accessory for sale.

WhitbyKJ · **Posted:** Tue Oct 20, 2015 8:37 pm

CrAp!!! I'm Sorry To hear that.

Jelg2000 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:21 am **Posts:** 20

Thanks man.

Now I'm trying to part it out due to fact the insurance doesn't want to pay for the aftermarket parts.

If any one is looking for a donor KJ with a lift just let me know. She's got about a 100k and ran great.

https://flic.kr/p/A3Xf17

jrsavoie · **Posted:** Thu Oct 22, 2015 10:38 am

Where are you located?

Do you have overhead console or heated seats

Jelg2000 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:21 am **Posts:** 20

Neither. Thanks for the interest though.

I'm in the S.F. bay area.

Squeaky Jeep! Worn Steering Rack?

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