Anyone identify this clunking?

[steved]

With just over 200k, I started getting a peculiar "bang" in the morning upon moving the truck. Only does it once, will not do it the rest of the day. You feel it mainly in the steering column. I've tried to duplicate it, but it will not replicate until the next morning... FWIW, the truck just passed the PA safety inspection which should have identified any loose parts. I still have some play in the steering, even after replacing the box, ball joints, etc.

I'm thinking the steering shaft is seizing overnight (the slip portion of the shaft), and the bang is it freeing itself every morning?? I would think end links would be more frequent?

 

[HOBrian]

Brake pads could be sticking as well.

 

[steved]

I thought about that... I just had them apart to lube the contact points. I'll check them when I swap wheels out later this week.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

When you say move the truck in the morning , When you hear the bang are the wheels being turned or kept straight, forward or reverse? Any chance of a u joint or center carrier? Its not in 4wd right. Are any of the neighbors cats missing?

 

[steved]

I typically back into my driveway at night... clunk occurs within a few feet of starting, in a straight line. Ujoints are good, no carrier bearing on my standard cab. Hubs are unlocked, not in 4wd. Does it once, and never again until the next morning... not temperature dependent either.

The reason I initially thought steering slip joint is because I almost think it happens when the truck lifts/twists from the torque (a manual with an OFe does that). But if it was a end link, shock, etc... it should do it more than once a day!!!!

I didn't find any cats the other day when I re-plumbed my bypass, so that's not it... :-laf