YJ front axle sound

Check your outboard U-Joints first. If you don't remember changing them, that is your first clue. So is a slight ring of red rust around the rubber boots in the joint.

2nd place is the wheel bearing, but this usually has a 'growl' rather than a 'clunk' or 'knock' Bearings are a sealed unit, plan on $125 for the complete assembly.

Changing either the bearing or the U-joint requires removal of the bearing assembly from the knuckle. If you live where they use salt in the winter, this can be a serious pain to get out. It can take a simple

1 banana job and turn it > My 95 YJ makes a knocking sound at the right front wheel. By turning

I second the bad U-joint diagnosis.

I use a sacrificial bolt and a 5 or 10 lb BFH to remove the hubs. I use jack stands, the jack and toss the tire under the Jeep before starting. You can cut the steering side to side to get room to swing the hammer onto the partly threaded in bolt. Soaking the joining area with a good penetrating oil for several hours or days first helps I do live in the rust belt and they are a serious pain in the butt to get out the first time. I use antiseize on them before putting them back in.

I think you might find the bad u-joint has also taken out the inner axle oil seal. Look into the tube when you pull the axle for oil evidence so you don't have to do the job twice... That can be punched into the vacuum disconnect area you have to have open anyway usually because the connect cog can get out of place and takes a threaded rod with big washers to reinstall. You have to suck the new seal into place.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail >

Thanks to all who replied. I won=B4t have time to work on it for a while but will confirm the diagnosis eventually.

If it totally fails on you it can lock up your front wheel at any speed you happen to be going....

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail >

Confirmed! The U-joints are bad, very worn. Thanks again for the help.

nrs