Annoying Sound

[Boaring1961]

I have a 2005 Quad Cab and bought it used a few months ago. Since I bought the truck a few months ago I've noticed that it makes a weird noise when I'm going down a crappy/bumpy road or when I hit the lane dots on a highway. It makes no sound when driving down the road. It sounds kind of hollow and all I can think of is that it's either the driver's side nerf bar or an issue with a shock absorber. The nerf bars are the tube style made by Westin (http://www.autotrucktoys.com/ram/We...-Wheel-To-Wheel-Oval-Nerf-Bars--PRD35604.aspx) that attach to the body mounts under the truck.

Does any one have any ideas what is causing this noise? Have others seen issues with nerf boards or a shock absorber doing this?

I'm about ready to take the nerf bars off just to see if this helps. The wife hates them anyway.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The sway bar end links are notorious for getting loose and making a dull rattling/knocking noise. If it has more than about 50L and they haven't been replaced or better yet, upgraded then they're probably bad.

My first one was bad by 25k and my truck never leaves the road.

 

[mattk50]

On my truck it was the catalytic converter vibrating on the cross member that goes underneath it. I ground down the edge a little and it solved the problem.

 

[Boaring1961]

Thanks guys I'll look at each of those and see what I can find and report back.

 

[seafish]

DEFINITELY check the bolts on the shocks... and also the spare tire to make sure that it is TIGHT up against the underside of the bed.

 

[JFought]

track bar bolts shock bolts are knowen issues as well

track bar u really need some one to turn the wheel and someone down there feeling the movement

 

[Boaring1961]

What's a track bar? I'm not familiar with that.

 

[JHumphries]

It's a link that locates the axle to the frame. It's used in three link, and four link suspensions.
It connects to the frame rail on one side, and the axle on the oppostie side of the truck.
That's what I know, which is just enough to get myself in trouble.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

The next time you are on a bumpy road and hear the noise apply your brakes slightly. If the noise goes away you need new brake caliper pin bushings which are the rubber pieces the pins fit in.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Boaring1961]

Blacksheepdiesel,

Funny you say the calipers because they are all new on the truck. In fact I replaced the last two on Saturday so it's not the calipers.

So, it has to be something else.

 

[B.G. Smith]

May be the lower shock bolt? The bolt goes through a sleeve and if it isn't torqued right it will work loose and make a lot of noise. bg

 

[mfurrh55]

Yeah it could be the shock tower bolt, my son-in-laws truck was doing the same thing, twice the bolt threads stripped off the top of the shock bolt, It's a thought,Monte