Help identifying knocking noise from front end

[Fartybaby]

Hello all!
So, for a brief recent history of my Jeep, I took it into the mountains and got it badly stuck and, in trying to get it out, completely twisted the front driveshaft into 2 pieces while in 4 low. I ended up getting it out with some help, and I’m not even sure if this is relevant to my issue but I’m including it just in case.

Recently I started noticing a loud knocking coming from my front, and I think drivers side, end. It seems to match the speed of the car, and it’s also intermittent and only happens when the car is not yet warmed up. It can get pretty loud and I can feel it in my feet.

I have no clue where to start with this issue. I just jacked up the front end and wiggled things around and nothing budged, everything was solid. The only lead I have is the yoke on the front differential that formerly connected it to the front driveshaft (which is now removed). When I wiggled the yoke, it clinked some and had a bit of play to it. That was the only thing I noticed that was loose and made noise like that, and the location is correct for where I think the noise is coming from. Could it be something in my differential? Anything else? Any ideas? I’m so lost!

 

[lBasket]

I have no clue where to start with this issue. I just jacked up the front end and wiggled things around and nothing budged, everything was solid. The only lead I have is the yoke on the front differential that formerly connected it to the front driveshaft (which is now removed). When I wiggled the yoke, it clinked some and had a bit of play to it. That was the only thing I noticed that was loose and made noise like that, and the location is correct for where I think the noise is coming from. Could it be something in my differential? Anything else? Any ideas? I’m so lost!

By wiggle, do you mean you twisted it, pushed it side/side, or pulled it in/out?

 

[Fartybaby]

By wiggle, do you mean you twisted it, pushed it side/side, or pulled it in/out?

I twisted it side to side in the same motion as like opening up a water bottle cap.

 

[lBasket]

I twisted it side to side in the same motion as like opening up a water bottle cap.

Some play in that motion is normal, is the backlash between the pinion and ring gear. The other movements should have no play. So... Not sure that is indicative of much. Sorry can't be more help lol

 

[Fartybaby]

Some play in that motion is normal, is the backlash between the pinion and ring gear. The other movements should have no play. So... Not sure that is indicative of much. Sorry can't be more help lol

That’s okay, thank you anyways!

 

[Coadster32]

Can you jack stand up the vehicle, spin the tires and watch, listen, view, test, instead of being in the drivers seat? Someone might be able to turn the wheel as well to help identify the issue. This might help at least eliminate any suspension issue. If it goes away when warmed up, perhaps something needs a bit of lubricant?

 

[Fartybaby]

Can you jack stand up the vehicle, spin the tires and watch, listen, view, test, instead of being in the drivers seat? Someone might be able to turn the wheel as well to help identify the issue. This might help at least eliminate any suspension issue. If it goes away when warmed up, perhaps something needs a bit of lubricant?

I jacked it up yesterday and did that. Good idea getting someone to turn the wheel though. Would it be of benefit to just lubricate all of the steering/suspension components that have a grease fitting? Even if it doesn’t solve the noise, at the very least it will help because nothing down there has ever been greased to my knowledge. Worth it or no?

 

[Mitchrb1]

I jacked it up yesterday and did that. Good idea getting someone to turn the wheel though. Would it be of benefit to just lubricate all of the steering/suspension components that have a grease fitting? Even if it doesn’t solve the noise, at the very least it will help because nothing down there has ever been greased to my knowledge. Worth it or no?

You should do this as regular maintenance. So, yes it's worth it. 7 zerk fittings to grease on the front end.