There is a violent crunch noise coming from the front passenger side of my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Help?

Question

It is coming from the underneath of the car. It sounds like a flat tire, but isn't it. Also, when I turn the steering wheel, it gives a squeeking noise. What does this sound like? Is it dangerous to drive?

Answer 1

The squeaking noise with steering I have experienced. It was clogged power steering pump.

The noise crunching noise may be the 4wd.

I would say its safe but make an appt as soon as one is available. Don't drive excessively fast.

I drove a 1999 Grand Cherokee for 6 years.
About 10 months ago, I had to deep six it at ~115,000 highway miles.
I changed the oil and followed all maintenance guidelines.
It just began to have major problems and to fix them all was more then it was worth (oil leaking, transfer case etc).
~

Answer 2

I would say no. Stating that it is coming from one side is showing signs of a worn drive axle. Not too hard to replace. Remove the tire, shock, and spring. Retract the hub from the axle with a tool you can rent from autozone, then pull out the axle.

I bet you find it to be very loose. Just take the new one, which will be very difficult to move, and stick it in there and put everything back on as you took it off.

Answer 3

Turning the steering wheel and getting the 'squeaking' noise is indicative of a power steering problem, pump failure, low fluid, etc.

The violent crunch is something different, wheel bearing, brakes, tie rod.

Until you know something, I would drive it as little as possible, if at all.

Answer 4

Yep, sure is Dangerous. It sounds to me it is a wheel bearing or half shaft.And for the squeaking, most likely upper and lower ball joints. Get this checked soon before it goes out entirely and you end up w/ a accident or tow bill. Hope this helps and good luck.