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Clunking in the front end...

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Old May 20, 2008 | 02:20 PM
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BMH95's Avatar
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From: IL
Clunking in the front end...

Well I've got a clunk in the front end. I've read posts until my eyes hurt on the many different types of things that could be causing it. I've also developed a pull to the right. They seem to be related in their time of presentation. It does not seem to matter if I hit a bump on the right or left side, I get the clunk. It almost sounds like a loose shock to me, but I can't seem to find anything that looks loose.

So, is there a procedure for diagnosing the problem? I thought I found it in the steering output shaft, but while the PSC Steering Brace I bought made the truck ride and handle MUCH better than stock, it did not fix the clunking. So I lost on my bid to fix it easily. I need advice on finding the culprit, since I don't have a lot of disposable cash laying around to pay the steelership to do it. Besides, I don't trust anyone with my truck.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 05:10 PM
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From: San Antonio, Texas
had the same problem on my truck. Replaced the ball joints cuz they were shot. the noise was gone for a day or two but came back. cant figure it out either.at least now its just the drivers side from what i can tell. I also still have the slight pull to the right even after an alignment.
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Old May 20, 2008 | 07:36 PM
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Then id check the steering stabilizer, control arm bushings, and trackbar bushings.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 02:12 AM
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From: Manchester, NH
Something to look into! I to have the same thing and I replaced my ball joints (they where junk) and the shocks (junk also) but the noise continued. For some reason I went under there and grabbed one caliper and, son of a b*tch....loose! Yup check your calipers they might be loose! I haven't had time to pull a wheel off yet but I'll keep you posted! Just something to look at! Good luck!
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Old May 21, 2008 | 05:36 AM
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I have the same thing, everything is tight,.,, I cant figure it out either. I put the board under the tires and lifted, Ball joints had no movement, shocks, steering rack, traction bar, all tight.... I notice it more in turns that have a dip....
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:36 AM
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From: Pattonville, Texas
Have someone turn the steering wheel back & forth with the engine running while you look underneath at the moving parts.

It's easy to see unwanted movement; the trackbar slopping back & forth is very common - you can usually feel it through the steering wheel while parked.

You ought to check the alignment, make sure it's adjusted to counteract road crown.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:37 AM
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well this is interesting

looks like i'll be banging and pushing all weekend until i find it
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Old May 21, 2008 | 11:04 AM
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From: Pattonville, Texas
It really shouldn't take more than few minutes to check.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 02:41 PM
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From: IL
So lock to lock is the trick, huh? I had my wife moving the wheel back and forth, but not really that far. Maybe you really have to stress it for this one to show?
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Old May 21, 2008 | 06:13 PM
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From: Sherwood Park,Alberta.
Mine did the same till one day at 120km/hr it stopped clunking and started vibrating really bad and would pull from side to side, at 120km/hr(75mph) its not fun at all!! Ended up being my front hub assembly was shot after only 50 000k. Was lucky enough to not have to replace my rotor. Im not sure if its the same for you but I would look into it.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:06 PM
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From: Texas

Try tightening the sway bar end links to 125 lbs, you may want to double check the torque specs.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:19 PM
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From: New Jersey
My "Clunk" was from the sway bar bushings being worn. (The bushings that hold the bar to the frame) Took me forever to figure it out and only $40 to fix it.
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:34 PM
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From: NV
hmmm, Ive had this clunk on my 03 ever since day 1, I had the truck since new. It seems when I am shifting from 3rd to overdrive and there isn't enough road speed I will get this clunking coming from the right/passenger hub side, can't figure it out.....
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Old May 21, 2008 | 10:50 PM
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I had the same problem and it was the "U joint" on the axle. Whenever I hit a bump it sounded like a bad strut would sound. And while turning and decelerating a steady rattle. Put it in 4 wheel drive and you would think the front end was going to fall off.
Also had a clunk when turning from one side to the other and it was just one of the bolts on the "Track Bar" was loose. Tightened it up and fixed problem for free.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 12:16 AM
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From: Pattonville, Texas
Originally Posted by BMH95
So lock to lock is the trick, huh?
No, you don't have to hit the stops - I just meant briskly back & forth, so the loose parts/joints are loaded/unloaded in succession.

Originally Posted by dale29
Try tightening the sway bar end links to 125 lbs, you may want to double check the torque specs.
Originally Posted by Tiara3100
My "Clunk" was from the sway bar bushings being worn. (The bushings that hold the bar to the frame) Took me forever to figure it out and only $40 to fix it.
We make stronger endlinks (LazarLinks) and carry higher durometer sway bar frame bushings w/grease fittings for less than that!
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