2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission POP in steering box

[Wyomingcowboy]

I have had a pop or clunk sound all summer coming from what sounded like the drivers wheel area. I finally had some help yesterday and we decided that it is actually coming from the steering box. The tie rod ball joints could stand to be replaced as well, but the noise is definitely not coming from them.
Has anyone else encountered this? it doesn't seem like it's coming from the shaft, but rather the gear box. I have my wife talked into doing a little front end work this winter (after I take care of her 04 Acura MDX with the same issues) and was wondering if a steering box is in my future too. I don't really want to spend that kind of money unless I'm sure that this is the problem.

Thoughts?

 

[JR]

When does it make the noise. Over bumps, while turning, etc. Can you feel it in the steering wheel? In the floorboard? Wiggle the control arm bushings and trailing arm bushings with a pry bar with the weight off the front axle to make sure everything is good and tight there. Also shock bushings can go bad. just a few ideas you didn't mention.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I hear the pop when turning at slow speeds or especially sitting still and turning the wheel for backing trailers, etc. I can't feel this particular pop in the steering wheel but I can feel a little slop when going over bumps sometimes.

 

[AEdelheit]

Sounds like a track bar bushing and its very close to the steering box so could easily be mistaken for a steering box clunk.

 

[klcammie]

The steering column on mine was popping at slow speeds, I went to rocksoildramtruckssteering.com and got their repair. took care of the pop.