2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front-End Thump/Snap

[rogerblind]

My 2002 now has just over 4,000 easy miles. Starting at about 2,000 miles, when I turn the wheels to full left lock, about 50% of the time, I get a loud metallic thump/snap somewhere up front. It seems to be on the driver's side. I've checked everything I can find for tightness, and found nothing loose. It only happens when moving slowly, like in parking lots, so I can't be under the truck to get a better idea of the source of the noise. I did notice that the sway bay link attachment bolt on the left side, where it attaches to the spring mount seems to be bent. However, I checked 2 other 2002's at my company, and they all look bent, so maybe they are built that way? Any ideas??

 

[Excessive Force]

THUMP

I've got a similar noise,but it happens after pulling out of my driveway when i am starting to accelerate (within 200' of my driveway). It sounds like a "thump",and is coming from somewhere up front. I'm not sure if it's a caliper hanging up or what. The problem is hard to locate,as it doesn't do it all the time.

 

[redeye]

The sound your describing I found was caused by a loose track bar nut. Not at the ball joint but the other end.



A funny side story: I took it to the dealer and his “Five Star Mechanic” reported it as caused by my "aftermarket" Rancho shocks.

:-laf

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I had these same symptoms and on my truck it was a worn track bar. I replaced it with a Linstadt track bar that has the adjustable end link (for wear) and haven't had it come back. Have someone turn the wheels side to side (full lock) and stand outside and watch the front axle. In my case it was pretty easy to see it was at the end link on the track bar - the whole axle shifted when it would pop.