2009 jeep liberty lifted and having problems with an knocking noise

[sean.rodgersusmc]

My wife's 2009 jeep liberty has a 3 inch lift on it. We are having alot of problems with it and it has been in and out of the shop for the pass few months with problems. It is always the front right side. first it was the CV axle breaking all the time then the upper control arm. After fixing all these problems at lease three times there is still and knocking noise coming from the right side. I have had 4 different shops and even the dealer ship to check out the problem and no one can tell me what is wrong with it. They all keep telling me that everything looks tight and ok with the lift and they cant see any problems. Does anyone know what could be the problem or any ideas how i can get the knocking to stop. Please email me any information at sean.rodgersusmc@yahoo.com or message me on here thank you for your help and time.

 

[TerryMason]

When does it make the knocking sound - when you are driving in a straight line or turning? Does the knocking get faster with speed?

 

[sean.rodgersusmc]

The knocking noise happens any time you are driving both in a straight line or turning. it doesnt get faster but it doesnt knock harder and more often as you increase the speed.

 

[sean.rodgersusmc]

Thanks for the repley. i hope you can help me out. Like i said the knocking stays the same as you drive and has caused the whole jeep to start shaking really bad while you are driving down the road. My wife said that she heared a lound pop noise and then the whole jeep started to shake really bad. But like i said no one can find anything wrong with it and said everything with the lift is tight and they see no problems.

 

[greg92jeepxj]

When does it make the knocking sound - when you are driving in a straight line or turning? Does the knocking get faster with speed?

Hey terry ? Could that be a trac bar and wheel bearing ? If it applies to his make ? Had a similar problem on my 92 XJ and would up being that and a lower ball joint . All that tech check and no prognosis ? Weird !

 

[69jeepcj]

My thought is unit bearing (wheel bearing) or ball joint. maybe not the bearing as that would seem to change with speed. Could you place the front end or the whole jeep on jack stands and do you own inspection?

 

[greg92jeepxj]

Re: 2009 jeep liberty lifted and having problems with an knocking noise

With regards to this thread , I just realized today that this dates back to 3/22/13 . The problem caught my attention as it mirrors a problem I had with my '92 XJ which would up being a right lower ball joint as the cause but worsened by a worn trac bar and wheel bearing all in the same wheel , the right front ! I rebuilt the front end since with new ball joints , wheel bearings , front drive axle u-joints , coil springs , shocks , trac bar , sway bar links and have not had the problem again of vibration , shutter , wheel bounce , or clunk and knock . Being only a 2009 , I should think there should not be a problem to this degree necessitating an overhaul as I did ! With a modest 3 inch lift , I cannot see that having this kind of negative impact . I consulted a coworker who owns a '98 XJ with a 3 inch lift and has not a problem since the install . I realize an XJ and a liberty are two different platforms , but except for different drive axles , they still share other similar parts and will function ultimately the same , but regardless , unless this jeep goes airborne on a regular basis , I cannot see it being that worn or broken as verified but numerous techs ! The '98 XJ guy swears there should not be these faults ; I.E. ; control arm , CV joint and the knock !
I did agree with '98 XJ guy (not a member) on one thing , besides a physical parts inspection , has a proper driveline inspection in terms of alignment of all assemblies been properly performed to verify angle is correct for driveshaft to axle for example ?
Yes , a 3 inch lift is modest , but then why all these problems and for so long involving so much tech involvement ?
Every time I look at a liberty , I shake my head a wonder "how , I don't get it ! " . My only question and probably all of us wonder , was this its history before the lift install ? The Marines are looking for a few good jeeps ! We must improvise ! Adapt and overcome this problem ! Or at least flank it ! All kidding aside , it's a new truck , it should not be this problematic .
I am especially interested as I like liberties and may seek one as a replacement should my 92 XJ outgrow me mechanically and financially . Would really like to know too as I am certain Sean.RodgersUSMC wants to know . Best of luck . Semper Fi

 

[54cj3b]

Check your front struts hows the top bushings

are they worn or loose ? loose struts make a popping sound

are your front CV joints connected at the proper angle or are they maybe too short ?