Front Axle Clunk

[IRoss]

Lately while taking corners in my 4x4 a loud clunking is occuring which I am pretty sure are the front axles sliding back and forth. . Is this normal?

. . i can move the joint back and forth about an 3/4"... the joints themselves are fairly new and tight and the seals are new and bearings are all fairly freshly greased in the front hubs. . I'm almost positive that the problem is not in my steering, i've checked the steering box mounts and replaced the drag link off of it... has anybody else dealt with this?

 

[RWWinslow]

If memory serves me correctly, check the steering gear mounting bracket bolts where it bolts to the frame - these are notorious for working loose.



Also, check the front axle universal joints (the universals next to the wheels on the axles) and if questionable replace with greasable universals. Hint - - my universals appeared normal until I dissasembled the entire front end and pulled the axles - the universals were dry and would hang up as the truck cornered and make a clunk / grab - even in 2wd with the hubs locked out. Note that this truck has a lot of 4WD time / miles on it.

 

[Philip]

Check you front spring eye bushing and the mounts. A few of us has had the front hangers break. Also check the rivets that go threw the lower raditor support. These have been known to work loose.

 

[DVolk]

Front Axel Clunk

You better check for a crack in the steering gear box mounting plate



also check out your cv joints and axel universals



even if your hubs are in free they still can turn and the axel joints still move with steering, also sounds dumb but a loose brake pad sounds simular as well

 

[IRoss]

I did check the steering box mounting before posting , and as I mentioned the universal joints are new. . I'm pretty sure its not the universals because when I do figure 8's the noise is not there, it usually comes from coasting around a sharpish corner... . It is a hollow thud kind of noise..... I will check the spring hangers and the sway bar since the noise is consistantly from the drivers side... . so how much lateral movement is normal from the axles anyway?. . thanx in advance

 

[PToombs]

The axles move 3/4 of an inch? There should be very little in/ out play on them. Pull the front hub and check the snap ring on the axle shaft, is it there?

 

[IRoss]

Yes, I've had the hubs out and back together, the splined end of the axle will slide back until it hits the snap ring... the movement seems in and out of the diff itself. . maybe I should take the cover off the front diff and take a look?

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

If memory serves me correctly, check the steering gear mounting bracket bolts where it bolts to the frame - these are notorious for working loose.



.

BINGO ! I had put in a new steering box on mine and later had the "clunk" only on sharp turns, the one bolt was loose and after tightening, no more clunk.