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I have a 23 overland and have been hearing a clunking noise coming from the front right, I usually only hear it when driving slowly over things like speed bumps, driveway ends, etc... Debating taking it in.
This was my exact issue. Only speeds below 40 were most noticeable. Can feel it in the vehicle floor and steering wheel also. More like a “puck” sound. Alignment only pulled to the right at slower speeds. 4 alignments done (with each part replaced)
 
The clunking sound my Jeep was very noticeable and not restricted to speed. The slightest bump (even a man hole cover raised ¼”) would set it off.

The repair took over 2 ½ months. There is a lot that transpired during to get to the point that it was fixed period during this period so I’ll spare you the drama and details.
Ultimely the dealer replaced the Front Sway Bar Links, the Steering Rack, the Electronic Sway Bar, and the driver’s side CV Axle. At various times they re-torqued all the bolts under the vehicle. After the second attempt to repair the vehicle, Jeep Corporate assigned an engineer to my case. My understanding was this cut red tape and gave the dealer a direct line to that person.

The original clunking sound started at about 6,000 miles. As such, I will always be guarded but optimist about future issues. Hopefully this fix is not a reset for any future clunking issues.

Time and miles will tell.
 
Discussion starter · #84 ·
The clunking sound my Jeep was very noticeable and not restricted to speed. The slightest bump (even a man hole cover raised ¼”) would set it off.

The repair took over 2 ½ months. There is a lot that transpired during to get to the point that it was fixed period during this period so I’ll spare you the drama and details.
Ultimely the dealer replaced the Front Sway Bar Links, the Steering Rack, the Electronic Sway Bar, and the driver’s side CV Axle. At various times they re-torqued all the bolts under the vehicle. After the second attempt to repair the vehicle, Jeep Corporate assigned an engineer to my case. My understanding was this cut red tape and gave the dealer a direct line to that person.

The original clunking sound started at about 6,000 miles. As such, I will always be guarded but optimist about future issues. Hopefully this fix is not a reset for any future clunking issues.

Time and miles will tell.
So what ultimately fixed the clunk?
 
Discussion starter · #89 ·
Is it possible, for the overland at least, that this isn't an actual problem or defect but just a side effect of the air suspension and however it was designed?
Honestly there is a bunch of different scenarios going on.
  • Trailhawks usually it’s the sway bar disconnect that breaks.
  • early WL’s it seemed a few had loose steering rack bolts.
  • on my 2023 Summit reserve (21” wheels) it was very clunky when brand new over slow speed bumps. It has gotten 80% better after putting a bit of mileage on it somehow..
(Maybe the dealer tightened something and just kept quiet about it?)

So I think yes there is a bit of a design problem that makes them prone to clunking. Having the lager wheels probably amplifies the issue.
but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be checked out for potentially more serious reasons for the clunky clunky.
also good to have your concerns documented as early as possible.
 
Is it possible, for the overland at least, that this isn't an actual problem or defect but just a side effect of the air suspension and however it was designed?
Great question. I only have 300mi on mine, I assume it will get better with time, but, will still take it in to the dealer to be certain in a few weeks. I traded in my Lincoln Aviator with air suspension and I had a similar clunk at low speed, very well could be a design issue with air suspension internals.
 
  • on my 2023 Summit reserve (21” wheels) it was very clunky when brand new over slow speed bumps. It has gotten 80% better after putting a bit of mileage on it somehow..
You know, now that you mention it, I'm at around 6k miles and the noise is nowhere near as prevalent as it was before. I'm going to have to start listening specifically for it now and report back.
 
Discussion starter · #94 ·
So, I thought I had a clunk and found out it was a bottle under the seat of the car! Check your seats!
😂
If we could all be so lucky.
unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
For me it has greatly improved but I can still replicate the clunk over any speed bump. Sounds like right front corner is most susceptible in my case.
I will bring it up again next week
Definitely a design characteristic of the air ride suspension.
 
2022 Trailhawk developed clunking noises after some off-roading in Utah. It had 13th miles at the time. Some rough roads, but no rock crawling. Very similar to what many have described on this forum. My 2018 Overland with the air suspension never had this issue. In fact, I've had GC's for the past 18 years and this is the first time I have noticed this on any vehicle. Had tires rotated this morning. Service agent said there was a loose heat shield which they tightened. Seems like some improvement, but overall the clunking remains. Will need to bring it back in for a more thorough inspection.
 
Over a 2 1/2 period this past spring and early summer, I had the front sway bar links, the steering rack, and front electric detachable sway bar replaced. I got the Jeep back and within 36 hours, the clunking was even worse. This time it turned out to be a bad driver's side CV joint. 2000 plus miles on this repair and I haven't heard any clunking. But then again, the original clunking started at about 6000 to 7000 miles. Time and miles will tell. Jeep corporate was involved. Also, they paid a fortune for a rental.
 
2022 Trailhawk developed clunking noises after some off-roading in Utah. It had 13th miles at the time. Some rough roads, but no rock crawling. Very similar to what many have described on this forum. My 2018 Overland with the air suspension never had this issue. In fact, I've had GC's for the past 18 years and this is the first time I have noticed this on any vehicle. Had tires rotated this morning. Service agent said there was a loose heat shield which they tightened. Seems like some improvement, but overall the clunking remains. Will need to bring it back in for a more thorough inspection.
Quick update: after reading through this thread again, I took a test drive, pressing the sway bar disconnect button on and off a couple of times. At least for the moment, I am not getting the same clunking sound. Not that familiar with how the system works, but hoping this has solved it. Maybe it will help someone on this thread.
 
Quick update: after reading through this thread again, I took a test drive, pressing the sway bar disconnect button on and off a couple of times. At least for the moment, I am not getting the same clunking sound. Not that familiar with how the system works, but hoping this has solved it. Maybe it will help someone on this thread.
If your swaybar is broken you would be able to see it pretty easily. Mine was obviously broken as a bracket was hanging down underneath. That doesn't sound like your issue though.
 
Honestly there is a bunch of different scenarios going on.
  • Trailhawks usually it’s the sway bar disconnect that breaks.
  • early WL’s it seemed a few had loose steering rack bolts.
  • on my 2023 Summit reserve (21” wheels) it was very clunky when brand new over slow speed bumps. It has gotten 80% better after putting a bit of mileage on it somehow..
(Maybe the dealer tightened something and just kept quiet about it?)

So I think yes there is a bit of a design problem that makes them prone to clunking. Having the lager wheels probably amplifies the issue.
but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be checked out for potentially more serious reasons for the clunky clunky.
also good to have your concerns documented as early as possible.
I got my right control arm replaced under warranty. I had complained about the suspension make a noise when reversing back on an incline. With the replacement, I don’t feel/hear the clinking noise that I used to at slower speeds on bumpy roads.
 
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