A beer to anyone who figures this one out...

[brillmtb]

So I developed a clicking/crunching like feel through my steering wheel. Slow constant turn to the left seems to bring it on more. Immediately after releasing the brake I feel it and stopping at 1 mph or less. The following replacements/repairs completed within 2 months

Dodge replaced the tie rod ends, I replaced the drag link, the pitman arm tight. Mechanic states ball joints all look fine, universal joints fine, I replaced the front rotors and pads so all that should be tight, steering shaft replaced. Steering box a red head, second unit as first failed within 13 months, second one may have seepage. Front shocks replaced today and mechanic thought the sound was from where the spring meets the lower pad and sprayed grease in there. He thought that helped but no, still have the same feeling.

Turning to the left does seem to make the feeling more prominent and I have to say that speed bumps don't really seen to impact it. I can be on a level ground turning left and feel it without moving the wheel back and forth.

Thoughts of where to look now? Thanks

 

[S.Morris]

2WD or 4WD?

 

[cerberusiam]

Did you replace the steering damper shock?

 

[brillmtb]

I believe shock replaced and the truck is 4wd. I greased the universal joints and top ball joint without any noticeable improvement. Just cant remember if I replaced both universal joints but I think I did as both are greasable and I think the stock ones were not.

 

[brillmtb]

Could my steering box give me this feeling even when turning in a fixed radius meaning not moving the wheel back and forth. I would think not?

 

[ranger 393]

What about the universal in the front shafts on the front axles?

 

[bighammer]

I'm going to guess hydraulic-related; pump output, restricted hose, etc. or binding pedal linkage. (due to leaking brake fluid?)

 

[B.G. Smith]

What about the universal in the front shafts on the front axles?

Specifically the left axle. bg

 

[brillmtb]

So I can feel it in a steady Left turn, going slow. It has to be something that turns, it must be my universal joints despite the mechanic thinking they looked fine. What else in a steady turn would be moving to create a sound like this. The steering box and shaft are not moving. I also notice it when I just let off the break slightly, just begin to move straight sometimes as well.

 

[TFucili]

Unit bearing(s)?

 

[seafish]

So I can feel it in a steady Left turn, going slow. It has to be something that turns, it must be my universal joints despite the mechanic thinking they looked fine. What else in a steady turn would be moving to create a sound like this. The steering box and shaft are not moving. I also notice it when I just let off the break slightly, just begin to move straight sometimes as well.

Sorry, I have not read the whole thread, but it is really difficult on heavy trucks to correctly diagnose a ujoint by looking at it or even simply turning/feeling it by hand…Easiest way is to drive for awhile, replicating the condition (in your case, perhasp you need to find a large empty park lot and drive around in a circle for 10 minutes or so) and then stop and check the temps at EACH ujoint cap with an infrared thermometer…look for substantially elevated temps on any one or two caps, or even compared to ones side to the other.

If you don;t have an infrared thermometer, Harbor Freight has them on sale for less then $50, and you can even go online to find a HF 20% discount coupon and then buy yourself one..they are EXCELLENT diagnostic tools for u joints, brakes, wheel bearings, differentials, really just anything that has bearings and turns and can even be used to check exhaust temp uneveness on each cylinder to diagnose leaky injectors.

 

[MMeier]

Kind of a long shot, but for a beer I will take a shot >>> check the carrier support bearing assembly .

 

[brillmtb]

It seems that the carrier bearing is for the driveshaft? I wonder how that would make a noise with turning. I also notice that when the truck is cold it doesn't make the feel/sound as much. Drive for a little and it is obvious. I think I will probably just replace the darn universal joint on the Left and go from there.

 

[jhenderson]

I'd go with axle joint. Jack up that side, turn the steering full left and rotate the tire by hand. If the joint is bad you'll feel it bind, see actual play in the joint or see red rust escaping from one or more caps.

 

[mwilson]

Another vote for axle joint. Put it in 4wd on a soft surface and see if makes more racket with some strain on it.

When turning left is the crunching noise kinda' in time with the revolution of the wheel??

 

[brillmtb]

So you all mean universal joint near the tire and Yes, it seems to make sound with initial release of brakes and with wheels turning. Exaggerated I think by turning left. I greased both joints so too late to rust.

 

[jhenderson]

Jack it up, steer full lock and rotate the wheel. You'll feel it bind if the joint is bad.

 

[qawsed010203]

I think it maybe something wrong with what you're saying but I dont know

 

[retirednak]

I'm not trying to jump your thread, I think I'm experiencing the same noise as you.

I recently got back from a nice long vacation & my daughter picked me up in my truck. Within 10 miles of home my truck started making the same type of noise as your describing. I went through & replaced all wear items in the front suspension, BJ,UJ ect & went back & got the recall done on the front suspension maybe 8K miles ago. New shocks, steering damper ect. I also have my manual hubs.
I've greased every joint,nothing is loose or binding up. Wheels off the ground,no noise. I'm stumped. I think I may pull my hubs off & check the bearing,they are the only ones that haven't been checked.

 

[seafish]

Have you guys check for play in the steering wheel to steering box shaft??