Popping front end

[Doc Holiday]

At a sit still when attempting to get going and turning left, the front end pops any ideas? 03 2500 had new ball joints 40K ago

 

[p-Bar]

Any lift done to front end ? Is it 2wd?

 

[Doc Holiday]

It has a leveling kit on it and it's 4WD

 

[lpennock]

Check your axle u-joints.

 

[Doc Holiday]

Thanks lpennock

 

[Doc Holiday]

So just found out the all U joints in truck were replaced less than a month ago, hubs and ball joints but under 50k ago. Doesn't appear to have a current recall for tie rod end(s)

 

[lpennock]

Try checking your track bar. You will probably need someone turning lock 2 lock while you feel each end of the bar.

 

[AEdelheit]

Track bar is the most common issue, If this is in your 03 best thing to do is upgrade to 16mm bolts if you do replace the track bar as they are much stronger then the 14mm bolts plus the 14mm bolts often oblong the mounting holes. If you can get someone to turn the wheel while you look under the front end no need to go lock to lock as it will usually pop when changing directions so a few inches to each side in enough.

It could also be a tie rod end but you could spot that at the same time if someone is turning the wheel back and fourth.

 

[DaveHess]

I have this same issue and have had it for a year or two. I cannot pin point the noise but can hear it clear as day in the cab. While laying under there with someone turning the wheels lock to lock, the only place I distinctly feel it is where the pitman arm goes on the steering sector shaft and only when the change of direction has been initiated. In other words, I can only feel it once during a direction change. Steer the other direction and feel it once, and so on. Everything is still stock under mine except for a steering box stabilizer (BD). 94K on the clock.

 

[GrantP]

At a sit still when attempting to get going and turning left, the front end pops any ideas? 03 2500 had new ball joints 40K ago

Is it only when turning left? I had a similar issue with my 06 when I would back out of the driveway and touch the brakes to put it in drive...clunk. Go forward and touch the brakes...clunk. It was the ball joints. I know you said they were replaced 40k ago but mine were toast with a little over 40 on them. Bit the bullet on Carli's and no more clunk. Jack up the front end and use a prybar underneath the tire to make sure they are still tight. Need more info on exactly what you are experiencing. Control arms and track bar could cause the pop too but it wouldn't make much sense if it was only when turning left.

 

[Doc Holiday]

Yes it is only when turning left well after brakes have been released. Not sure what else you want to know about the issue?

 

[Killgore]

Sounds like what I was experiencing. Replaced ball joints last week because of a very distinct pop when turning left after releasing brake and getting underway.

- Ed