2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Loud steering noise

[Rogue Ram]

In the middle of a trip, a loud noise has developed when you turn the wheels all the way to the right or the left---noise is loud and metallic, like a popping. The truck has to be moved and weight transferred around before it will make the noise... ... then it will make it while sitting still if you move the wheels all the way to one side or another. Once it pops when you are sitting still, it won't do it again until the rig is moved some. Crawled underneath, tightened steering stabilizer bolt, track bar end has luke's link so I don't think thats it. Shock mounts tight, steering box bolts tight, lug nuts tight, etc. Engine is so loud its hard to tell just what it is.



I did find one thing: where the steering box shaft comes out, you have a pittman arm connected to it (right?). The rod that this connects to is connected on both ends to ballstuds, and have grease fittings. When you grab this particular rod, you can rotate it by hand (via the ball studs). Is this too loose????



I'll examine more later when I get a second person again to help out... ... ... . anyone ever run across this?



Thanks,



RR

 

[KIseminger]

I am assuming you are talking about the tie rods that are attached to the drag link.



These will rotate on there own. Have someone get in the cab while you are underneath. Have that person move the steering wheel back and forth 45-90 degrees. Watch each of the 4 tie-rod (ballstuds) in the steering system. If there is any up and down or in and out (depending on how you look at it) they are bad. The Lukes Link can be used on these joints assuming they have not been replaced by a Moog brand joint.



if it's not that, it's probably in your steering shaft. I have a simliar problem and I just put the links on all of my steering. I think it's in the steering column and/or the shaft.



Hope this helps.

 

[Rogue Ram]

OK, I can grab the drag link... . I guess it is what is attached to the arm coming off the steering box... . its what, 3 feet long or so? I can take it and twist, rotate, it. I can move say side to side... and feel some slop. Is this thing the drag link? I can't find a link for front end diagrams... .....



RR