2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Thumping sound from right front when pulling 5th wheel

[danmcguire]

When I am pulling my 10,000# 5th wheel with my '97 2500 2WD (105,000 miles) and I make a sharp left turn from a dead stop, accelerating as I make my turn, I heard and feel a "thumping" coming from my right front wheel/tire area. It only happens when loaded down with my 5th wheel, and it only happens when I turn left as I accelerate after I have been stopped (at a 4 way stop,etc. ) It does not occur if I turn sharply left while "coasting" thru a turn, nor does it ever occur when I turn to the right. I have stopped at a tire dealer and at a DOdge dealership and both have been stumped as what is happening. There is nothing wrong that we can see visually. One recommended that I make sure the air pressure in my tires is correct (it is) and the other recommended that I put some grease on the steerring "stops" to prevent rubbing, but that didn't help either. Can anyone help me? I am currently traveling for several months this fall, winter and don't want to break down! Could it be the ball joints, etc. ? I grease all the greasable joints regularly, but the ball joints are sealed. Thanks for advice. Dan

 

[DDT]

In 99 I bought a new V-10. I had the same problem except it did it loaded and empty. It was never figured out. My CTD don't have that problem.

 

[phoekema]

thump sound

Might try and replace the wheel bearings. I am sure you have checked all the lug nuts for proper tightness. Maybe rotate the tires just to get each rim/wheel in a different location. I have worked in the computer service area for almost 40 years and sometimes it's not as much finding out what the problem is as making a bigger list of what it is NOT. When ever it (car, truck, computer, TV etc) "does it sometimes" you know you are usually going to be completely frustrated before you get the answer. Are you absolutely certain the noise is from the right front? Maybe the shift in weight from the hitch area is causing some other frame or body part to rub or bump.

Good luck. Hope you find the problem before the guys in the white coats take you away to the house on the hill!!!