Fed up with front end work still has clunk

[bowman1268]

I am at my wits end to the point of trading my expy in.I just replaced upper and lower ball joints,inner and outer tie rod ends,the steering box,pitman arm,idler arm,shocks,and sway bar end links.I still have a intermittent clunk when turning at speed like with on ramps and right hand turns.If I can't figure this out soon I quite.Does anybody have any clue what might be going on?

 

[stamp11127]

Is it 2wd or 4wd?

 

[bowman1268]

It is 4wd

I just got back from the 5th test run today after retightening every bolt in sight.It is still doing it.

Ps cv joints were already replaced

 

[bowman1268]

Just a update Still have the noises but can't nail down the sound replaced sway bar bushings and links again replaced upper and lower control arms with ball joints new shocks new pitman arm and idler arm and all the tie rods joints.

I am flummoxed any ideas what might cause this are very appreciated.The noise happens once in a blue moon right before coming to a stop or accelerating from a stop.Does not do it over bumps most the time but it you hit a very small bump just right you get a hard pop sound.I have tried shaking the car turning the wheels etc it just refuse to make the sound unless the car is in slow motion. Could a defective cv joint make a kinda clunk sound?

 

[DUNE RCR]

Try grabbing stuff while its sitting on the ground and see if anything is loose i.e. Anything suspension or drivetrain, including seeing if engine and transmission mounts move any. Then jack the truck up some to relieve the weight and go around the suspension and drivetrain again to see if there are any changes.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Is it just a single clunk when you turn and the weight shifts?

If so, I've got a similar thing that just started on mine.

 

[DUNE RCR]

Forgot to mention also check body mounts. It's rare but worth checking.

 

[2004XLT]

The noise when coming to a stop and accelerating could be a u joint. I had a worn u joint on the front shaft and it made noise even in 2wd, but only when slowing down or accelerating.

 

[Gruz7]

Maybe I'm missing something but what about CVs?


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[Gruz7]

Maybe I'm missing something but what about CVs?


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Disregard I didn't see the "ps"

But I guess I would x2 on the u joints... Seems to be part of my problem too


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[bowman1268]

Funny you guys say front u joints.I was just thinking that is one of the only things I have not checked.Today it would creak/clunk only when accelerating from a stop while going straight sometimes while making a slight turn but only if moving.I got pissed so at about 20 mph I yanked the wheel back and forth to try and get it to make the noise and sure enough it kinda did.So I get home get out and rock the truck for all I'm worth and no darn noise at all while parked.So I am thinking either it is something that is a moving only while in motion.We are having storms today but as soon as I can I will be under it again.As a side note it appears to get worse when it is wet out.

 

[Gruz7]

Funny you guys say front u joints.I was just thinking that is one of the only things I have not checked.Today it would creak/clunk only when accelerating from a stop while going straight sometimes while making a slight turn but only if moving.I got pissed so at about 20 mph I yanked the wheel back and forth to try and get it to make the noise and sure enough it kinda did.So I get home get out and rock the truck for all I'm worth and no darn noise at all while parked.So I am thinking either it is something that is a moving only while in motion.We are having storms today but as soon as I can I will be under it again.As a side note it appears to get worse when it is wet out.

Honestly, I think I have the same problem... I mean I need to replace a laundry list of other crucial steering and suspension components but I think I have that issue too and I think it is the u joints... I've never replaced them before though kind of a big operation for me lol


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[1955moose]

Usually a u joint will have movement when you move it with your hands. You've gone this far. A vise,a new set of joints, and you eliminate that from your frustration. The parts are cheap enough. It's just a little more of your time. The other thing you can do before is find a friend or shop that has the snap-on diagnostic unit that mounts in different spots under vehicle. The technician can then drive your SUV and pinpoint where noise is coming from. Keep us posted.


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[Msport]

I had a similar noise when I turned left and right. I added motorcraft friction modifier to the differential fluid and the noise went away. The additive reduces wear in the clutch packs.

 

[1955moose]

Good to hear! I'm going to try that on my 2000 4x4 see what it does. Mine clicks when pulling in turning full right!


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[bowman1268]

Yhea I am not giving up on this yet.I ordered a drivers cv joint and new universal joints as the next set of parts to replace.Reason for the cv is while under it yesterday I grabbed the halfshaft and noticed the new passenger side one moves in and out freely while the factory one on the drivers won't budge even with channel locks on it.From what reading I have done the inner cv should allow some in and out movement to allow suspen travel.