Car guys Independent Front Suspension

[Guest db99wj]

The wife's Grand Caravan is in the shop (3rd time in two weeks getting all the warranty work done before warranty ends, warranty has paid for itself!), she is driving my Grand Cherokee, I borrowed one, returned, got a rental, returned, am currently driving one of theirs (Carmax) off the lot, a 05 Loaded Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L Hemi (love that engine), anyway, the problem we are trying to find is a crunching sound in the front right end when you go over a bump, like a speed bump in a parking lot. Takes a good bump to hear it. It sounds like the shock is full of sand, and when it extends and compresses, makes the noise.

This is what has been done, I have paid $125.

Tie Rod replaced

Stabilizer Bar Control Link

Stabilizer Bar Bushing (slack in swaybar link end bushing cracked and worn)

Ball Joint (excessive wear in lower ball joints)

Got an alignment

This is what has been done so far. They have it. Still making slight noise. They are lubing all bushings and joints, seems to be having a problem finding anything else.

Here's something weird to me. The Grand Cherokee that I have is a 05, same year as the van. The Grand Cherokee makes a very similiar noise as the van when going over speed bumps.

My question. I am not familiar with IFS. My Jeep, 99 model is a solid front axle. Is this just what IFS's do?

I have a feeling they are going to come back and say, we replaced everything, we lubed it, it is what it is, thanks. My wife won't be happy, I accept that all cars make weird noises.

I confrused.

[Kegger]

You've tried everything but replacing the strut. Try that, if it sounds like a strut going out, replace the strut.

[Guest coldblackwind]

In my experience, I usually check the plastic inner fenders first in that situation. Generally they are loose, and fall against the wheel, which makes a nice grinding noise.

[Guest db99wj]

Forgot to mention. it does the crunch noise when it is cold.

Carmax called back. They drove it three times. First time, they heard it. 2nd time, they didn't, third time they didn't.

The service manager heard it, but the tech did not. They are going to keep it one more night and drive it first thing to see if they can hear it.

Service advisor said they have replaced just about every "wearable" part that is there.

[Guest 70below]

Some models have a steering linkage or joint that can make some pretty unusual noises when they get old and are at a more extreme angle than normal brought on by a large pothole or speed bump. Otherwise a worn shock or strut could be the culprit as well.

edit: more parts more problems, gotta love it. Glock should make cars!