Popping Noise from Steering Box - Low Speed Only
#1
Popping Noise from Steering Box - Low Speed Only
All,
Have a strange issue that's been around for several weeks which I was finally able to pinpoint. At low speed (less than 10 mph) I get a single clunk/pop from the front end. It only occurs during turning and usually only in tight turns. However, yesterday I was able to isolate it sitting at park. Had the wheels pointed straight forward and sawed the steering wheel right and left, from the CW to the 4 o'clock then CCW to the 8 o'clock then back and forth. Never completing a revolution, so basically minor steering inputs while the truck is sitting still. At each change of direction there would be a pop or clunk (at most two), sometimes in the middle of the change as the wheel changed direction. I immediately suspected a tie rod or drag link end, but all have been replaced or are in good shape. Had the wife do the steering while I crawled under the truck and I was able to isolate the noise/vibration to the steering box. I saw no discernible movement of the assembly, but when I placed my hand on the box and she cranked the wheel I could feel the pops by hand. Unit does not leak and is full of fluid. All ball joints and steering inputs appear tight and in good shape, no rust in the area.
Long description, but short questions. One, have any of you had this problem before? Two, I know the unit can be adjusted for backlash, is it possible I just have some play in the innards of the box? Three, could air pockets cause this noise? It surely sounds mechanical like mechanical slippage, but there is no feedback through the steering wheel or "skipping" on either the input or output side of the box.
Thoughts and opinions would be nice...
Have a strange issue that's been around for several weeks which I was finally able to pinpoint. At low speed (less than 10 mph) I get a single clunk/pop from the front end. It only occurs during turning and usually only in tight turns. However, yesterday I was able to isolate it sitting at park. Had the wheels pointed straight forward and sawed the steering wheel right and left, from the CW to the 4 o'clock then CCW to the 8 o'clock then back and forth. Never completing a revolution, so basically minor steering inputs while the truck is sitting still. At each change of direction there would be a pop or clunk (at most two), sometimes in the middle of the change as the wheel changed direction. I immediately suspected a tie rod or drag link end, but all have been replaced or are in good shape. Had the wife do the steering while I crawled under the truck and I was able to isolate the noise/vibration to the steering box. I saw no discernible movement of the assembly, but when I placed my hand on the box and she cranked the wheel I could feel the pops by hand. Unit does not leak and is full of fluid. All ball joints and steering inputs appear tight and in good shape, no rust in the area.
Long description, but short questions. One, have any of you had this problem before? Two, I know the unit can be adjusted for backlash, is it possible I just have some play in the innards of the box? Three, could air pockets cause this noise? It surely sounds mechanical like mechanical slippage, but there is no feedback through the steering wheel or "skipping" on either the input or output side of the box.
Thoughts and opinions would be nice...
Last edited by _ExpeditionMan; 05-28-2019 at 11:25 AM.
#2
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Banzai Jimmy (05-28-2019)
#3
#4
The following users liked this post:
Banzai Jimmy (05-28-2019)
#5
Bad panhard rod bushes will make a pop/knock sound when rocking the wheel back and forth. The frame side bushing is usually easy to replace because it's been lubed with power steering fluid for years. The axle side bushing might give you nightmares, though, especially getting the bolt out.
#7
Bad panhard rod bushes will make a pop/knock sound when rocking the wheel back and forth. The frame side bushing is usually easy to replace because it's been lubed with power steering fluid for years. The axle side bushing might give you nightmares, though, especially getting the bolt out.
#8
FWIW, before getting to any responses, the panhard rod was the first thing that came to mind. The frame side attaches right next to the box, so you'd feel it clunking while touching the box.
#9
#10
Another part(s) to inspect are the Lower Steering Shaft U Joints (especially the lower).
The joints are not greasable and if worn they can make a pop/click sound when turning. I had that happen on a '97 and it drove me mental.
If you have the original steering shaft the U joint is replaced with STC2800.
The joints are not greasable and if worn they can make a pop/click sound when turning. I had that happen on a '97 and it drove me mental.
If you have the original steering shaft the U joint is replaced with STC2800.