Clicking noise under steering column

Tiny
EMILIANO FUENTES-CASADOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 181,000 MILES
Need help diagnosing what the clicking/tapping noise is coming from under my front dash/steering column. Vehicle only makes the noise when I’m drive (2WD or 4WD) and reverse. Noise doesn't come when I rev the car in neutral. Turning the wheel doesn't seem to effect the clicking noise.

Video Link to a video of the noise:
https://youtu.be/mvk9eTZXmUo


Possibly related, I have problems with my light flasher and typically just slap underneath the dash until the lights work, could that cause the problem? All lights still work, just need a new flasher piece.
Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 8:54 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
So it sounds like this is only making noise when you are moving. Is that correct? If so, can we jack the 4 tires off the ground and put them on jack stands and put it in drive to let the tires spin and see if it makes the noise?

If it does then we need to get under the vehicle and see if we can identify the source. More than likely it is a drive shaft or axles and the noise is just translating up through the steering shaft. Clearly noting in the steering system is going to cause an noise while moving. That is going to be something that has rotational noise when moving.

Let me know if this is possible. I see you have some weather issues going on so I can imagine this may not be possible right now, at least not in the driveway.
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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
EMILIANO FUENTES-CASADOS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
You are correct, probably won’t be able to lift it until the weather clears up. I can remove the front drive shaft and run it in 2WD and see if that gets rid of the noise.

Is there any parts, bushing, connections, eyelets, etc, that I can examine? Would a worn bushing on the axle or control arms cause this?

Previous to this problem there has been a clicking noise from my passenger wheel well, after having replaced all the tie rod ends, ball joints it was still there. Possibly think it’s a worn bushing. I can take and post pictures of any part you have in question as well.
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Saturday, November 30th, 2019 AT 10:08 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
It's hard to say. There is quite a bit that this could be but until we get it lifted and see it if makes the noise it is a bit of a guess. Clearly it is a rotational part so I would focus on the driveshafts and axles. Removing the front drive shaft is a good idea but again I would try and lift it first and see if you can identify it. I am stressing that first because due to the ability to easily duplicate this and the fact that it is so loud, I think you will find what it is or at least the specific area then we can narrow our inspection.
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Saturday, November 30th, 2019 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
EMILIANO FUENTES-CASADOS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Solved!
I lifted up my rear tires and ran the Jeep in 2WD, no noise. Did the same with the front and got the noise. Finally had to put a go pro under to watch and saw that an AC Hose? Was clinking against the front drive shaft as it rotated.

Added a picture of the cable bundle (behind lower control arm) that was bumping into the shaft
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+1
Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
That'll do it. Great find. Thanks for the update and good work. Please come back to 2CarPros if you need anything in the future.
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM

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