Steering Woes

[Shawn T]

Ok, I have the updated ISS, just changed the pitman arm and idler arm about 2 mos ago. The "snap" is still there on hard left turns and bumpy roads. I found this after a search on the forum:

 

• Frame Snap and/or Popping Type Noise -- A frame snap or popping type noise can be duplicated on rough or smooth road surfaces with steering wheel input to the left or the right. This type of noise can be HEARD and is typically louder with the windows rolled down. For additional information, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002F or newer -- Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Front Crossmember, Change Fastener Orientation).

 

 

Can anyone enlighten me or direct me to instructions to try this? I am running out of ideas here. This has been 1 of my only headaches with this truck and I am thinking of buying a new truck. It's noticeable and a test drive by anyone will detect it immediately. I have taken great care of this truck and I want it to be in prestine driving condition whether I keep it or not. That snap, crackle, pop sound is so unnerving. You can even feel it through the floorboard on the drivers side sometimes. Help

[Shawn T]

c'mon...anyone? bump

[mkimber]

I'd like to hear about this as well. I changed tie rod ends, ball joints, pitman and idler arms. It steers much better but will still make that popping noise sometimes.

[Debo511]

Loosen the body mount bolts below A pillars, if noise changes, make insulators from a plastic jug and install betweer mount and frame. If crossmember suspected, unbolt and test drive.

[Shawn T]

Loosen the body mount bolts below A pillars, if noise changes, make insulators from a plastic jug and install betweer mount and frame. If crossmember suspected, unbolt and test drive.

 

Debo,

Sorry for the ignorance. When you say cut insulators, do you mean just cut a circular, washer looking, piece of plastic from a milk jug and use that? It would only be about 1/32" thick right? I have step bars, but they have been on the truck since I bought it 5 years ago. This "pop" seem to start about 2 years ago. I will definately try it. Which crossmember is it? If I remove it and it solves the problem, how do I replace it without it making noise again? I assume it's the one directly between the fenders?

[Willshire]

i believe debo is saying, wedge the milk jug discs in between the mount and the frame as the mount has a piece of metal vulcanized into it and the metal is binding against the cross member. At least that is how hot rodders fix metal on metal contact noises. I.e the nylon spacers in leaf springs. I may be wrong but thats how i read it

[Shaners]

If the stepbars are mounted to the cab bolts (which they prob are) then that could be your problem if they were overtightened when installed and crushed the rubber body mounts.