Cv joint noise with bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks

[Alabama]

I have a 2021 1500 gmc that I put front and rear Bilstien’s on as soon as I got the truck. I bought it new. The shocks are set at 1 inch.

 

It has made clicking noises when I turn sharp which have gotten worse over time. I was told that the cv angles are wrong and that is what is causing the noise.

 

If this is true 1 option is to lower the shock by 1/2 inch. To do this the shop would have to tear down the entire front strut to adjust the shock.

 

I was thinking that for close to the same price I could just replace the control arms with an aftermarket set.

 

what do you think?

[mdrum93]

Is your truck an AT4? 

 

Replacing the upper control arms will not affect the CV angles.  Only the ball joint angles in the UCA.

Edited September 8, 2023 by mdrum93

[Alabama]

Sorry I left that out. No it is not an AT4

[mdrum93]

Do you have larger tires than stock?

 

So with only 1" of lift the CV angle change from stock is minimal.   Maybe the CVs themselves are worn out but that's hard to believe on a 2021 truck.  Does the clicking sound metallic? and is it in tempo with the wheel rotation when turning? 

[Alabama]

It sounds like a hammer hitting something solid and I can feel it in the steering wheel. Only happens when turning sharp or turning while going over bumps like gutters, etc 

[mdrum93]

Does it sound like its coming from one or both sides of the truck?  I am now leaning towards the UCA ball joints.

 

I steered you away from UCAs earlier because you were talking about CV angles being wrong but if its a single thunk or bobble over a bump or  when turning its probably the UCA ball joint.  If you can, jack the front end up, grab the top of the tire and try to wiggle the wheel in and out of the wheel well and see if you hear anything.

[Alabama]

Thanks. I will do it tonight when I get to my farm. I have 275’s on the truck. I think it came with 265’s.

[Alabama]

Now that I think about it it seems to come from the drivers side

[Diamond817]

On 9/8/2023 at 8:53 AM, Alabama said:

Sorry I left that out. No it is not an AT4

The AT4/TrailBoss uses the same upper and lower control arms as the Standard Height suspension Sierra/Silverado. The only difference is the CV Axles. You can just buy the AT4/TB CV's and install them in your truck.

[Gangly]

The stock UCA and CV shafts are operating well within their design criteria, so start your initial assessment elsewhere. 

 

First thing I would look for is loose nuts and bolts for every suspension component loosened or removed for the install:

 

Upper and lower shock attachment bolts

Sway Bar links

Steering Links

UCA nut.

 

Once you have verified that they are all within spec, then you start your guesswork/analysis.

[Mark Scannura]

This is worth a view concerning clunking noises with the Bilstein 5100s on the GM 1500. This guy found the problem and a solution for what he was experiencing. I agree with Gangly, a 1 inch lift on a stock 1500 does not need new/mod UCAs. I also can't see a need for the CVs used on the AT4/TB. 1 inch should be well within those design limits. I think the issue is mostly likely with loose hardware mounts, bolts, etc some place up front since it seems to appear while in a turn. Check this out. 

 

 

Edited September 15, 2023 by Mark Scannura

[Alabama]

Thank you so much 

[Alabama]

Those bolts are a whole lot harder to get to in a 2021

[Naughty Donkey Performance]

This clunking I had as well with the Bilstein 5160's

[Alabama]

The noises my truck makes only happens when I turn sharp