Help! Steering Column Clunk

[GAllen]

I made an appointment to have my front springs replaced under the Customer Satisfaction event Chrysler is having. I told the service writer to check for a clunk/rattle in the steering column when turning over a bump. He thinks this will be related to the springs, which I highly doubt. Any known issues I could "steer" him to regarding the clunk? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[GAllen]

Nobody has heard this noise before? Come on guys... ... . help.

 

[DIESELMAN]

Most common 'clunk' is the drag link or tie rod joints 'rocking', its benign, just annoying. In the parking lot rotate lock to lock, most will do it some, some loudly, have someone turn the wheel while you watch and you can see it.



What is wrong with your springs??

 

[GAllen]

Some 2005 DRW trucks had the wrong front coil springs installed. The notice says "this may affect ride comfort. " Basically, the front end bottoms out prematurely.

 

[MG05CTD]

I had the "clunk" noise you are describing. I took it in and they told me it was the steering stops. They greased them and it went away... for now.



MG

 

[GAllen]

I had the "clunk" noise you are describing. I took it in and they told me it was the steering stops. They greased them and it went away... for now.



MG

That could be as I've noticed it when going to full lock. At least that give me an idea. Thanks!

 

[bighammer]

I had a clunk sound on my 94 when the lower ball joints went.

 

[ddutil]

Did you do a search on the 3rd gen forum? I remember seeing a post about a loose nut somewhere on the steering assembly... Dan

 

[GAllen]

Did you do a search on the 3rd gen forum? I remember seeing a post about a loose nut somewhere on the steering assembly... Dan

I did a search, but I'll try again. Thanks.

 

[RMarkey]

I know I had a loose nut on the drop arm (name?), the one that connects the axle from the upper drivers side down to the lower passengers side. I know cause it fell out while I was driving!!! Luckily I was in town and driving slowly because you can't really turn very well when that arm isn't connected, trust me, I did manage to make it off the road and go back and find the bolt, but not the nut, had to get another one.



The nut is a pain to get to, it's against the axle pretty much behind and underneath the shock mount. I think it's an 18MM wrench to tighten? You might want to check it out.