clunky steering

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tilliepeople

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When turning right I get a clunking noise from the left front.
I jacked it up and find no play in side to side but around 2 inches (give or take) from front to back.
Thought I should bet some others opinions before the parts cannon
Just looking to make sure I'm going in the correct direction
 

Hamfisted

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Look at the tie rod ends, inner and outer. How many miles on 'em ? If the boots torn or missing off the outers it's time to change 'em. The inners seem to wear out faster than the outers. You just have to feel through the rack dust boot while a helper moves the steering wheel back and forth to feel for play in the inners.






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tilliepeople

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It's supposed to be in the upper 30's today so i am going to take a closer look.
I would think that ball joints ,tie rod ends and bearings would tend to give me more side to side movement than the front to back I am getting.
I am kind of drifting more in the line of CV axle or maybe just bad u-joints.
I have to admit that I am not physically able ( i'm 71) to crawl under the expedition as much as I would like so the more info I can get from here means less time underneath.
 
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tilliepeople

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Bummer
It appears that I will need to replace either the CV axle or the differential .Lots of play on left side.
Right side will need an inner tie rod end soon.
I should be OK to drive it at least for a while. hopefully it will last until it warms up . If not i'll get it to a shop and rob peter to pay paul
 

whtbronco

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The tie rod being worn will definitely lead to play and a clunking noise. The diff and/or cv axle will not though. The diff and cv axle can lead to vibration and noise when in use, but not play in the tire/wheel or spindle. I would think the cv joint would have to be really seriously worn out to be noticable in 2wd though since they are not being turned or shouldn't be.

Swap the tie rod first as this is most of your issue I'd bet.
 
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tilliepeople

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Yup .That makes sense.
my original thought was the gears were so worn they allowed the wheel to move but it really makes more sense that the tie rod is rolling back and forth.
Thank you.
I tend to have a one track mind so it's helpfull the get a good swift kick to help change directions.
 
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