Knock / Clunk in Steering System

[shark]

I'm looking for information as I try and chase down the source of a disernable knock or clunk I can hear and feel in the steering wheel and on the floor board when turning the wheel. I experience this usually when just starting out or slowing down on sharp turns (slow rolling) or when stationary and turning the wheel back to center. I have new ball joints, hubs, and axle universals. I checked the power steering fluid and found the fluid to be low and black at first with a burnt odor but after wiping the dip stick the fluid is mostly red but low. When I get the front end off the ground I cannot create the knock. Info is appreciated. Additional truck info: 2005 model, Carli 2. 5 pin-top kit, Carli steering stabilizer, Solid Steel Steering Stabilizer all installed. Thanks

 

[DFairhurst]

radius arm bushings?

 

[twmcneilly]

I had what sounds like the same condition.

The dealer replaced the track bar on mine under warranty.

 

[MA2LA]

Also yoor steering shaft can give you the same noise and feel

 

[shark]

thanks I'll check those out next.

 

[roadking]

sway bar links ?

 

[CumminsBu]

Tight all the bolts in the front end that involve the Carli stuff and see if it goes anyway. Had some of my bolt loosen around my suspension upgrades, trackbar, stocks, etc after about a year.

 

[Baja_Mike]

I'm looking for information as I try and chase down the source of a disernable knock or clunk I can hear and feel in the steering wheel and on the floor board when turning the wheel. I experience this usually when just starting out or slowing down on sharp turns (slow rolling) or when stationary and turning the wheel back to center. I have new ball joints, hubs, and axle universals. I checked the power steering fluid and found the fluid to be low and black at first with a burnt odor but after wiping the dip stick the fluid is mostly red but low. When I get the front end off the ground I cannot create the knock. Info is appreciated. Additional truck info: 2005 model, Carli 2. 5 pin-top kit, Carli steering stabilizer, Solid Steel Steering Stabilizer all installed. Thanks

I would start with the pan rod bar bolts and make sure they are tight (Atleast 120 ft/lbs. ).

 

[BDuffy]

mine did the same as you described and like Road king suggested it was the sway bar links

 

[BDaugherty]

Check the track bar bolts. My buddy's '07 was making a similar racket. I had him steering lock to lock while I was looking under the truck. The track bar bolt at the frame was loose and shifting around in the hole.

 

[Fisherguy]

Also yoor steering shaft can give you the same noise and feel

I agree, my son's Dakota has the same thing.

Open the hood, grab the steering shaft at the joint and lift up and down, someone else will feel it in the steering wheel.

You need one of these:

DODGE Replacement Shafts





(My son's cheap, he's living with the clunk)