Front End "Clanking"

[CTA]

Looking for some input on what might be wrong w/my '03 3500. I have a clanking noise from what sounds like the front, left corner. It comes and goes and has been getting worse. Noticed it right after I installed the LT285/70R17/D (33") tires @ 28k. I now have 32k and noticed oil on the front wheel after a few days of driving.



The Dealer tells me they can't find anything wrong! Today I used 4WD, best way to describe the racket from the front was like a had a bad cv joint (remember this sound from a car I used to own when I was younger).



Any input would be appreciated, it is back at the Dealer's and I am waiting for them to tell me they can't find anything "again".



Thanks for your input!

 

[MegaRocks]

Really crank down on the track bar!!! Been told this is usually the culprit; even if you can't see it move when the steering wheel is rocked back and forth.



Good luck

 

[NDanecker]

The Dealer tells me they can't find anything wrong!

So typical.



Is the noise all the time? Only when you go over bumps? On turns? On accel/decel?



The pan rod (I think that is what the previous person was trying to point out???) is used to hold the axle in place form left/right movement. You'd notice this if you would shift the trucks weight from side to side by doing a small slalom course.



I'm thinking maybe a bad sway bar bushing or broken end link.



But then again, the dealer didn't find anything wrong with it so... . :-laf



EDIT: Never had one of these front axles apart, but I believe they do have a universal joint (in favor to the CV joint on FWD cars) or other at the steering knuckle. Maybe the bearing is going?? They do spin all the time no matter if in 4wd or not.

 

[Subby]

CTA,

If the fluid you indicated on the front tire smells like gear oil, then at least the seal located on the side of the diff inside the axle tube has failed. Usually though, there will be oil on the knuckle and possibly the U-joint as oil is leaking out of the diff, traveling down the axle tube, and exiting out the end of the tube. The fact that there is a banging, clicking, etc. sound in conjunction with the fluid could mean something wrong internally in the diff or maybe the U-joint. First thing I would do is try to confirm what is on the tire by wiping it with your finger and smelling it. I don't know if you know what gear lube smells like but it's not very nice, where as brake fluid is quite a bit less pungent. I sure do know what you're talking about with the quote "We couldn't find anything wrong"

 

[CTA]

NJT:

The noise is NOT all the time. It comes and goes under no certain circumstances. In addition the only time you can really hear it is when you are going less then 40 mph. Everything works to my advantage at that speed to hear things, little engine noise, low tire rumble, no turbo whine/whistle. This is while slowing down of course or maintaining a constant speed, below 40 in ... fourth or fifth gear.



I know the truck has u-joints and this was suggested by another member at another site I belong to. They are not greasable and a dry joint they say will make the same noise I mentioned.



The Dealer indicates that the staining on the wheel is brake dust, not a leak yet it is greasy, like an oil and not a powder or dust. In addition the staining on the wheel is consistant w/a "fluid" type leak and again not dust. This is been going on for a couple of months, it is getting worse, real nasty in 4WD while turning. :--)



I have heard bad news about the bearings. A local friend of mine just had an entire front axle job done with under 42k. He said his noise started out the same way. He has an extended warranty ... I do not!



Subby:

I thought of that and mentioned that to the Dealer ... who again is adamant about nothing leaking or being wrong with it. I already did the texture/smell gig w/the fluid on the wheel, it is either front axle fluid or grease, something along those lines. Brake dust is dark, almost black and evenly coats everything. It is also ... dusty. The stuff on the wheel smears backwards as it oozes out of "somewhere" and dissipates in color as it reaches the outer edge of the wheel, dark as it starts out of the wheel, thins out to a golden color! It is "greasy" feeling and not dusty/gritty. I'm amazed at the Dealer for thinking I would buy such a load! :-{}



Take an oil can, squeeze a few drops/small lines of oil on the "inside" of your wheel and drive it mile or two. What you see will be what I have on my wheel ... Brake Dust, I guess so!



Any other thoughts guys?



How about where I go from here if I can't get the Dealership to "clue in" and take care of the problem. What recourse do I have if it goes on as it is and fails "after" the 3/36 warranty expires in 3500+ miles?

 

[NDanecker]

Here are some things I'd try:



1 - Try another dealer.



2 - Ask the dealer to check out OTHER USED 4wd rams on the lot. According to his theory, they should ALSO show this brake dust/grease substance. Hopefully he will prove to himself that its more then brake dust. Also, there should be NO GREASE, OIL, or anything (except true brake dust) be leaking onto the tire. At least that is how I feel. if it gets onto the brake rotor it can lead to brake failure which I'd then hold him responsible 'cause he said its nothing but dust.



3 - Check fluid of front differential. If it goes down then you are leaking from somewhere. {lightbulb}



4 - Jack up truck, pull off tire and inspect yourself. Get a good light and take some pics. Post them here and maybe someone else can give their two cents.



Good Luck, and stick to your guns with that dealer (if you have the patience).