Steering Issues

Shawn T · June 12, 2011

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

I posted this on the Heavy duty forum a week ago and did not get one response.

10_point · June 14, 2011

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

I posted this on the Heavy duty forum a week ago and did not get one response.

do you have side steps, nerf bars on it, ??? if so try to isolate the mount , and the body mount with plastic spacers or something. or better yet just remove them and try it and see if it does it. . my truck is doing it also, and i have bars on it. GIVE IT A TRY AND LET ME KNOW IF IT WORKED FOR YOU.

Shawn T · June 14, 2011

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

I posted this on the Heavy duty forum a week ago and did not get one response.

do you have side steps, nerf bars on it, ??? if so try to isolate the mount , and the body mount with plastic spacers or something. or better yet just remove them and try it and see if it does it. . my truck is doing it also, and i have bars on it. GIVE IT A TRY AND LET ME KNOW IF IT WORKED FOR YOU.

It has step bars on it. I had them installed the day I bought it, so I don't know any better. It did not do it from day one though. I really started to notice it about 2 years ago. I will definately try it though. I have heard of "isolating" the body mounts, but only vaguely. So do you just cut circular pieces of plastic from a milk jug and put 1 between the step mount and the body mount? Or does it go between the body and the body mount? Or both?

mikevmax · June 14, 2011

Have you check the upper control arm. Mine need to be retorqed. I had a popping sound out of the front right side.

Shawn T · June 14, 2011

Have you check the upper control arm. Mine need to be retorqed. I had a popping sound out of the front right side.

I have not. That's funny you mention that. After I changed my pitman and idler arms I had a realignment done. Everything was tight. This was only about 6 months ago. Now it's back to the way it was. Your talking about he bolts that mount it to the frame right? If that's the case the camber will be out also. Ugh, talk about chasing your tail. I will have to get the torque specs and check them I guess.

mikevmax · June 14, 2011

Yes I think the bolts that mount it to the frame. I had the chevy garage in town do it for me. I hope you find the problem and get it fix.

10_point · June 18, 2011

Yes I think the bolts that mount it to the frame. I had the chevy garage in town do it for me. I hope you find the problem and get it fix.

any more on the solution, did you get it figured out yet???

10_point · June 19, 2011

Yes I think the bolts that mount it to the frame. I had the chevy garage in town do it for me. I hope you find the problem and get it fix.

any more on the solution, did you get it figured out yet???

I just replaced the steering column bearing and it took out about 90% of my klunking in the wheel, i also had the intermediate steering shaft replaced under warranty and it works wonders. i still have some popping in the frame, but that is from the steps i think. I sprayed wd40 on the mounts and it shut it up for a little bit.

Shawn T · June 20, 2011

Yes I think the bolts that mount it to the frame. I had the chevy garage in town do it for me. I hope you find the problem and get it fix.

any more on the solution, did you get it figured out yet???

I'm going to try and get it up on the lift this weekend. I am going to definately add some insulators to the step bars, torque-check all of the control arms, pitman arm, idler arm, tie rod ends. I have been through 2 ISS. These front ends are junk on these trucks! It never ends.