Anyone know what causes a minor thump feeling in the steering wheel when at slow speed and hitting bumps or braking. New upper and lower ball joints, and no play in the tirod ends. 2001 4x4 6spd

 

hope someone can tell you because mine makes the same noise

 

Its most likely your track bar. Mines shot and its doing the same thing. You can either have someone push up and down on your bumper and get the front end bouncing while you watch the ball joint end of your track bar for movement, or have someone start the truck up and work the steering wheel back and forth while you watch.

 

Whoa!

Try the simple stuff first.

Try spraying your intermediate steering shaft with WD40. The intermediate shaft is what connects the steering wheel to the steering box. The shaft can be taken out and cleaned & lubed pretty easy or just stick a spray tube under the rubber boot and spray away. It should have a grease zerk, but thats a whole other thread.

I had the same problem and I replaced the track bar ($400) and it made no difference. I replaced the intermediate shaft and that was it. All it needed was a lube job, but I had already replaced it.

Let us know if this helps.

 

sounds right because I also have a groaning sound sometimes at low speed when turning the wheel and does it a lot when truck is not moving and turning the wheel. I will try the simple first then procede to the tougher. Thanks for all feedback, this is the best site!!!

 

I smell a "non advertiser hand slap" coming