Upper And Lower Control Arms

[CapitalTruck]

Just an FYI, I have 91,500 on my 04 1500. I had been hearing a clunk a while back when the wheel was turned and I was starting from a stop or traveling slowly. (Some of you might remember me writing about it). Anyway, I was rotating my tires over the weekend and when I put the jack down I heard a noise from behind the wheel. I was like, WTF? So, I raised the wheel again, grabbed the tire and jerked it around, low and behold, one of the mounting bolts for the upper control arm was jiggling around. Time was sensitive so I tightened it using just a standard 1/2 driver ratchet. However, when checking the torque specs I found out that they are supposed to be at 140 lbs/ft! (the lower control arm mounting bolts get torqued to 129 lbs feet). You need a deep socket. Anyway, I torqued the upper and lower control arms (ALL of them moved a semi-substantial amount). Driving now is closer to what it was like when new, a little less "slop." I would seriously (for safety sake) recommend that everybody take an opportunity the next time their wheels are off to tighten these bolts. Cheers to the guys that earlier(bmx 02, apd123) told me I should check the upper control arm bushings re: the noise.

[Majorleaguebass]

WOW!!! That is scary...thanks for that post!!! Iam gonna check mine this weekend!!!

[MS3DALE]

Interesting,very interesting

[bojanglespa]

Just an FYI, I have 91,500 on my 04 1500. I had been hearing a clunk a while back when the wheel was turned and I was starting from a stop or traveling slowly. (Some of you might remember me writing about it). Anyway, I was rotating my tires over the weekend and when I put the jack down I heard a noise from behind the wheel. I was like, WTF? So, I raised the wheel again, grabbed the tire and jerked it around, low and behold, one of the mounting bolts for the upper control arm was jiggling around. Time was sensitive so I tightened it using just a standard 1/2 driver ratchet. However, when checking the torque specs I found out that they are supposed to be at 140 lbs/ft! (the lower control arm mounting bolts get torqued to 129 lbs feet). You need a deep socket. Anyway, I torqued the upper and lower control arms (ALL of them moved a semi-substantial amount). Driving now is closer to what it was like when new, a little less "slop." I would seriously (for safety sake) recommend that everybody take an opportunity the next time their wheels are off to tighten these bolts. Cheers to the guys that earlier(bmx 02, apd123) told me I should check the upper control arm bushings re: the noise.

 

 

I also noticed that I was getting an intermittent clunk/snap type noise. I had thought it was a brake caliper on the passenger side starting to stick then release. I had the front end checked and they noticedx that the Passenger Side Upper control arm bolt on the back had movement in it. They ordered a bolt and bushing for it and I am to take it back next week. This is however the same bolt that was loosened and adjusted last alignment that I had. I think I will have them torque it to proper specs and check it for the play. maybe that is all it needs.