Clunking ?

[edsaws]

Hey all,

I've got a clunking problem and could use some advice. When I turn the wheel to the left I here clunking and can feel it through the floor. It doesn't seem to do it when turning to the right. I can here it a little if I jerk the wheel quick to the left also. Anyone got some ideas as what may be causing it? Thank Ed

 

[edsaws]

Well I got under the truck and started to see if I could find anything that would cause the clunking. The track bar seems to be ok along with the drag link and U joints. I'm not sure if the sway bar or stabalizer links (the small links that connect to the ends of the sway bar to the frame) are suppose to have any movement. It appears the drivers side has more play than the passenger side. Also I noticed the drivers side caliper seems to have more movement than the passenger side. Any thoughts?

 

[Big Stu]

I would suggest checking your balljoints. I have had a very similar problem and that's what it was.

 

[edsaws]

I checked those and they also seem to be ok.

 

[JLDickmon]

get it up off the ground by the frame or the axle, and shake the front tires side to side, and up & down... you'll find it

 

[paulkeith]

i've found that a lot of times you cant trace a bad ball joint/TRE by hand. use a crowbar againt the inner C's or axle tube and try to watch for movement.

also, you can park directlyup against a curb, and have someone in the truck turn the wheel and watch for movement that way. works even better with powersteering (ie..truck running) but you obviously need to be careful if you do that.

good luck.

Paul

 

[edsaws]

Ok I think I found the problem. It appears the passenger side bearing is shot. I jacked up the front and was checking for any play. The drivers side was tight as it was the previous time I checked it but the passenger side I got aout a 1/4 inch of play side to side and up and down. I also think the hub locks may be toast. The driveshafts shouldn't be spinning when the 4x4 isn't
engaged should they? 4x4 isn't my forte'. Thanks Ed

 

[jestersv]

just posted a wheel bearing story in the ex forum ed hope it helps