2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Clunk when turning left

[VolsFan]

Just started this the other week. When it's in the garage it'll do it too. Only when turned left when the tires are pointed straight ahead. I've had my wife turn the wheel while I'm under it. I've tightened up the 3rd gen track bar and bracket. Went through all the tie rod ends. Tightened shock bolts. Fairly certain it's isolated to the drivers side. When it'll make the clunk, I can see the coil spring shimmy. Any ideas?
also, I have not detected any play out of the balljoints when I pry on them and no play out the the hub

 

[petersonj]

Fairly certain it's isolated to the drivers side. When it'll make the clunk, I can see the coil spring shimmy. Any ideas?

I think you are on the right track with your troubleshooting technique, you just need to be more diligent. The motion you see in the coil spring is probably the sudden release of energy when a worn or loose steering or suspension component suddenly shifts. You need to have your eye on that component when it happens.

I have learned to focus on only one item at a time when doing this kind of inspection, that is, look at each connection point of the component while the clunk is heard. It may take awhile to do this, but you will find the problem. Just make sure your helper doesn't get bored and begin to relax operating the steering wheel.

I have also used a video camera (my Gopro) to record the movement of components. The benefit is that you are able to control the steering wheel like you want, the camera can be set close to a component, and then later you can view the video as many times as needed to figure out the problem.

- John

 

[Flinty]

I had the same thing. The end of the track bar that bolts to the axle housing... the hole that the bolt goes through was out of round and the shoulder of the bolt just below the head was worn down, giving about 3/32" of slop. It would only occur under just the right circumstances. It takes a lot of force to shift in the hole making a loud clunk that transfers through the bar into the frame on the driver's side. I bought a new bolt and welded a washer that was the exact size over the hole, thus eliminating the clunk. With a third gen track bar maybe this doesn't apply to your situation but I would watch that bolt very closely when you turn the wheel. The movement is slight but it makes a loud clunk when it finally lets go. Then when the wheel turns back it slowly resumes it's original position. Weird...

Hope this helps, I'll upload a pic of the repair later.

 

[VolsFan]

Thanks for the replies. I don't have a GoPro but that would be a good tool to use to troubleshoot the problem for sure. I'll double check that track bar bolt, I could be wrong but the bar looks rock solid from lock to lock.The noise has nearly vanished with all the tightening on stuff I've done. Doesn't make me nervous to go on a long trip now.

 

[satmike]

If it does it when your turning I would check your front axle ujoint

 

[Tinman]

If it does it when your turning I would check your front axle ujoint

That's exactly what I was thinking. Had similar issue a few years back. Couple of squirts of grease in the u-joint solved it. ( I have Quad 4x4's greasable u-joints.)

 

[jpogue]

My truck does this but only when it's wet outside. It's the strangest thing. I have the upgraded track bar replaced the bushings in it once already. I've heard some people say it's a bushing in the steering column. I've installed a new steering box at 160,000 now I'm at 270,000 I've adjusted the steering box a bit as well. Wheel is still very sloppy and now that the rain has started the popping has returned.

 

[klcammie]

If you think it's in the steering column try http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/ I did and now 4 years later all still god.

 

[jpogue]

Thanks klcammie, I saw this a while back thanks for the reminder. Oh and nice cattle dog you got there.

 

[klcammie]

Thank you she keeps us in check. I liked the rock solid fix , it was pretty easy to install. There is a point that you have to do a little sanding to get the finally fit. Take your time at this point, it will work well.