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Thread: Popping or tapping sound

  1. #1
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    Default Popping or tapping sound

    Lately there is an inconsistent audible "pop" or "tap" sound coming from the front of the car. The tap sound like someone lightly tapping with a small hammer. It could sound like a pop as well, kind of the pressure valve releasing, or something under tension releasing. It's not loud exactly, but it's annoying and I hate having a sound within ear shot whose cause isn't known.

    Sometimes it will do it at idle and be like pop (2 seconds) pop (2 seconds) pop (2 seconds). Other times there might be more or less space between pops and/or a different number of them. It's not consistent in how many sounds happen, the tempo, etc. The sound is always the same pitch, volume, and duration. Of course it doesn't do this when I'm trying to listen under the hood. I expect it might be making them when driving too but there's a lot to drown them out then.

    The only things done around the front end are:

    * front sway bar bushings
    * front sway bar link rebuild kits
    * removal, cleaning, and reinstallation of the IAC
    * oil change
    * rebuilt front axle 12/9 but the sound was there before that
    * new front wheel bearing/hub assemblies
    * front brake caliper pins removed, cleans, greased and re-installed

    None of this stuff seems like it would cause an intermittent pop or tap sound from the front.

    This is driving me nuts. Thanks for any suggestions you can give.
    Last edited by packmule1911; 12-11-2014 at 09:09 PM.

  2. #2
    nickyg's Avatar
    nickyg is offline Level: Uber Jeep Cherokee Trailer Queen
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    Does it make the noise when you are turning the steering wheel?
    One more part and I'll have a new Jeep

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    Nope. Dead stop at traffic lights or in the driveway.

    I did also lube the chassis: tie rod ends, ball joints. I did lube the sway bar bushings with vegetable oil, but I did not use any lube on the sway bar link bolt sleeves or bushings. I thought for a minute that maybe the suspension is getting "wound up" and the pop is dry rubber releasing itself. I don't know anything much at all about Jeep's yet, so that's probably an ignorant idea.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    That sounds like one that will require you to get out and try to find exactly where it is coming from first
    230 hp 4.3L Chevy
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    And a bunch of other stuff

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    Trying to do that. Spent a good while listening today. Don't really want to hop out a stop lights, but that's when I hear the most consistently.

  6. #6
    nickyg's Avatar
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    Mine made aloud pop at random when turning it wound up being the trackbar mount on the frame had bolts rusted to a nub.
    whenever I drive over something hard my swaybar links hits the spring. but that makes a sorta bell ringing sound.
    ..... I'm stumped... but that's not hard to do.
    One more part and I'll have a new Jeep

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    My heat sheild on my cat is loose and makes a poping or tapping sound

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    stopped while in gear. reverse the same?
    Wheelin' East Texas in a RED XJ

    RED 98 XJ with 4.5" lift, ZJ steering, front and rear locked on 33's
    cowl intake, Cobra CB, SYE, bumpers, 10K winch, lights
    ,___________
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  9. #9
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    Still going on. Getting more frequent, but no consistency. When whatever it is fails entirely, I will know what it was.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    In gear and in park/neutral? Do you have a mechanics stethoscope?(long standard screwdriver...handle to ear if you dont want to buy or have the proper tool). Have you pulled and checked your plugs?

  11. #11
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    Plugs are brand new. Did it before plugs as well. Car is in gear, but usually, but not always, stationary. The sound could be considered by some to be a knock sound.

    I need to grab a drink and a stool and let it idl for an hour while I sit watching and waiting.

  12. #12
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    Could be a lifter going out? Any findings?

  13. #13
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    denverd1 is offline Level: Uber Jeep Cherokee Trailer Queen
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    those are jeep noises. Mine makes a lot of them. wife always, " what's that noise???" It's the jeep, honey. Just doing its thing.

    If you think it's engine related, you can use a long screwdriver as a stethoscope to nail down what cylinder its coming from.
    Last edited by denverd1; 01-09-2015 at 02:00 PM.
    Wheelin' East Texas in a RED XJ

    RED 98 XJ with 4.5" lift, ZJ steering, front and rear locked on 33's
    cowl intake, Cobra CB, SYE, bumpers, 10K winch, lights
    ,___________
    //___l__,\____\,00_
    l_--- \___l---[]lllllll[]|
    (o)_)--(o)_)--(o)_)

  14. #14
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    I thought that too denverd1. Bit when i did a full tune up the noises ceased and have stayed gone. I dont understand why or how except bad plugs. Mine now has 177k on it nd is quiter then the neighbors brand new zj

  15. #15
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    Default Re: Popping or tapping sound

    Have you checked your control arm bushings? Mine was making a similar pop that went away when I replaced my upper control arms.

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