Front end knocking...

[SPZ55]

I've had my 1996 Ram 2500 since it was new....everything is stock. A couple months back I had a knocking noise ( almost a rubbing) that you can feel when turning left or right. Feels like the tires are rubbing on the wheel well but they aren't. I replaced the ball joints, all wheel bearings, stabilizer bar and tie rods. I also had the front end aligned. It still does the same thing. I have a sharp slightly winding up hill driveway that it does it everytime around the curves, left or right curve. It almost feels like the 4WD is partially engaged....it's like a stutter knocking feel. It never does it going down the road. Does anyone have any ideas what it could be?? Thanks...

 

[Matt42]

The 4WD may be partly engaged, as you suspect. Check the electric and vacuum actuated system to make sure that all is OK. You will have a 4WD lever, but there is an electric/vacuum system that engages the axle.

 

[SPZ55]

The 4WD may be partly engaged, as you suspect. Check the electric and vacuum actuated system to make sure that all is OK. You will have a 4WD lever, but there is an electric/vacuum system that engages the axle.

I appreciate the lead....I didn't know about the electric and vacuum actuated system. I'll be checking that out asap. Sounds like it could be the problem..

 

[GrantP]

Did you check the axle shaft u-joints? A bad u-joint in the front axle will bind during a turn and make the truck feel like it's in 4wd with a similar "lurch" feeling. Jack up the front end and rotate each of the front tires with the wheels turned. If that's the problem you won't notice any bind with the wheels pointed straight ahead, but you will with the wheels turned. I had that issue on my '97, the u-joints were completely dry and rusty.

 

[mtarcher1]

I'd second the notion to look at the front axle u-joints. The OEM units are sealed...mine lasted to around 230k mi. I noticed one was going bad while lubing the front end...saw a little rust colored staining on the u-joint and then felt free play when moving it by hand. I had them both replaced at the same time.

 

[SPZ55]

Did you check the axle shaft u-joints? A bad u-joint in the front axle will bind during a turn and make the truck feel like it's in 4wd with a similar "lurch" feeling. Jack up the front end and rotate each of the front tires with the wheels turned. If that's the problem you won't notice any bind with the wheels pointed straight ahead, but you will with the wheels turned. I had that issue on my '97, the u-joints were completely dry and rusty.

I addition to the parts listed I replaced I also replaced the Axel shaft u-joints. As soon as it dries up around here ( late hurricane) I'm going to jack the front end up just to check the u-joints anyway. I also have to check the 4wd electric and vacuum actuator system...it could be failing and the front axles are partially engaged. Thanks for the reply..

 

[Matt42]

Did you check the axle shaft u-joints? A bad u-joint in the front axle will bind during a turn and make the truck feel like it's in 4wd with a similar "lurch" feeling. Jack up the front end and rotate each of the front tires with the wheels turned. If that's the problem you won't notice any bind with the wheels pointed straight ahead, but you will with the wheels turned. I had that issue on my '97, the u-joints were completely dry and rusty.

I hadn't thought about the axle U Joints when I thought up my list. They are a good place to look, for sure.