Grinding noise while turning right.

[Beowulf]

Grinding noise while turning right.

My friend just bought an LJ Rubicon with 44k. After driving it a little bit he has noticed a grinding noise coming from the front end while turning right. It only does it from a stop. The wheel does not have to be to full lock for this to occur. It does not sound like tire rub and I cannot see any wear marks on the tire or any of the suspension components.

What makes this even more odd is that it does not do it all the time. Plus, if I go to a parking lot and do full lock left turn circles and the full lock right turn circles it does not do it.

Any thoughts on what could be causing this will be greatly appreciated.

[Hilldweller]

Grinding or clicking?

[Camj]

I'm the friend. It's a grinding, then a popping. It's like a sound a tire tread popping on a fender. Dont know if that helps. Thanks

[Black_ZJ]

I'm the friend. It's a grinding, then a popping. It's like a sound a tire tread popping on a fender. Dont know if that helps. Thanks

Did you check for any rubbing? Checked your u-joints and hubs?

[Camj]

Checked for rubbing. No wear marks. Have not checked u-joints or hubs. Would they make a grinding sound only going right?

[Black_ZJ]

Checked for rubbing. No wear marks. Have not checked u-joints or hubs. Would they make a grinding sound only going right?

So you had someone stand next to the Jeep while you went from lock to lock on the steering wheel and watch for rubbing? Not all rubbing leaves wear marks. What backspacing and tires are on the Jeep? And yes, a hub or u-joint can make noise under certain situations, it's how my hub sounded when it went out a year ago.

[Camj]

I will check the lock to lock on the steering wheel for rubbing tonight. The backspacing and tires are all stock. Thanks for the hub information. I talked to the broker I got the jeep from and he stated that when he drove it back it wasn’t making that sound. His mechanic went through the jeep and found a pipe hanger that needed to be replaced. He replaced the section of pipe behind the muffler and the hanger. I am waiting for him to send me the full service report today.

[Hill, Bill E.]

Very possible it's the axle U-joint. When going straight, it doesn't move, but if the wheel's are turned, then the U-joint comes into play.

If it's dry (no grease) or worn, it may make the sounds you're describing.

[Hilldweller]

I was thinking hub or wheel bearings.
Smell any gear oil?

[Hill, Bill E.]

Checked for rubbing. No wear marks. Have not checked u-joints or hubs. Would they make a grinding sound only going right?

It can. When turning, there is weight transfer to the outside wheel. Not much, but enough to put more pressure on the drivetrain.

If it's the axle joint or hub, it may make noise when turning one direction only.