Front end clunk......something in the steerting...

**grebesjeep** · 03-11-2010, 10:29 AM

Hey guys, i have this clunk noise when turning my steering wheel mostly to the left and sometimes over larger bumps. I can't seem to figure it out. With the car off you can shack the steering back and forth and it makes a pretty loud clunk (Steering box?) and seems to be getting worse.

The tie rods and sway bar links seem pretty tight.......its been doing it for a while but once I put on RR lift it seemed to get worse. Just wondering if anyone has experienced this issue and what the fix was. Any help would be great!

**FernBchJeep** · 03-11-2010, 10:47 AM

Check ALL of your steering and suspension parts. You'll find the loose/worn item and have your answer. You could even have someone work the sterring while you look for the problem.

**grebesjeep** · 03-11-2010, 01:06 PM

i did have someone work the steering and everything looks good. I need to drop the skid plate and take a look at the rack i think...

**BonesWK** · 03-11-2010, 02:23 PM

let me know what you find, I have the same exact problem dude.

scottydog · 03-11-2010, 04:27 PM

Check the 3 front differential bushings for wear.

dcaprio · 03-12-2010, 11:37 PM

Ditto the front diff bushings.

scottydog · 03-13-2010, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottydog

Check the 3 front differential bushings for wear.

A lot of guys have reported worn diff bushings. The clunk seems more pronounced when going from reverse to neutral or drive. If you put the truck on a lift, start it up and shift gears the diff movement can be seen.

**grebesjeep** · 03-14-2010, 01:20 PM

ehhh, that doesn't look like an easy fix.........do you have the whole front end out???

scottydog · 03-14-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grebesjeep

ehhh, that doesn't look like an easy fix.........do you have the whole front end out???

I haven't done it myself, but you have to remove the half axles. Looks like it takes a special tool to pull/install the $15 bushing.

If I had a bushing go bad I would strongly consider doing all three. They are easy to inspect for wear.

**BonesWK** · 03-15-2010, 07:29 AM

would the Diff bushings have anything to do with it making the noise when turning the wheel?

scottydog · 03-15-2010, 08:14 AM

The bushings clunk with gear engagement, so yea could be steering linkage. You need to put it on a lift and inspect everything.

**grebesjeep** · 03-25-2010, 11:44 AM

It was the rack.........1200.00 later. I do have 96,000 miles on it so i'm sure that didn't help the issues

**BonesWK** · 03-29-2010, 08:19 AM

1200??

what was the diagnosis?

I have the same thing going on right now. Looks like I will have them look at the rack when im in next.

**grebesjeep** · 03-29-2010, 09:22 PM

pinion gear had play in it, it was in the process of getting striped or a tooth game loose

**BonesWK** · 03-30-2010, 07:19 AM

thanks dude, I will have my shop check it out next time im in. At least I can tell them where to look so they dont try to run me up saying "we looked everywhere".