clunking in front end when rolling straight on flat ground

[JasonF]

Well guys I think the good luck streak may be running out. I am getting a popping/clunking noise somewhat regularly while driving out of the front right. From time to time I get a pulsed groaning/chirping that's so loud I look around thinking it's coming from another car. I do not believe it is the brakes. I also think the wheel bearings are OK. This pretty much leaves the front CV joints or front diff. I have 114k on the truck, what is the life expectancy out of a set of CV's?? When I reach under there and grab them they have 3-4mm end play but I am not able to detect any play perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. While I was under there I also noticed my outer tie rod end boot has a small hole in it but so far that joint feels solid. I feel like now's the time to take care of it before it totally fails and trashes something else too. Suggestions??

Jason

 

[2001ExpSport]

Originally posted by JasonF
Well guys I think the good luck streak may be running out. I am getting a popping/clunking noise somewhat regularly while driving out of the front right. From time to time I get a pulsed groaning/chirping that's so loud I look around thinking it's coming from another car. I do not believe it is the brakes. I also think the wheel bearings are OK. This pretty much leaves the front CV joints or front diff. I have 114k on the truck, what is the life expectancy out of a set of CV's?? When I reach under there and grab them they have 3-4mm end play but I am not able to detect any play perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. While I was under there I also noticed my outer tie rod end boot has a small hole in it but so far that joint feels solid. I feel like now's the time to take care of it before it totally fails and trashes something else too. Suggestions??

Jason

Sounds like a bad hub, if you haven't replaced them yet, probably a good time.

 

[Blee1099]

check your lower ball joints.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Spray a 30 sec. shot of WD-40 in the tie rod end boot. Thats what stopped the clunking for me.
Hubs usally squeal when going bad.
Could be both .

 

[EliteConcept]

don't tell me the 2nd gen have a history of having SHI*&Y auto hubs too......

 

[BradE.]

Check upper and lower balljoints, they tend to make a popping noise when they are worn out.

 

[JasonF]

Guys,
the balljoints have been done once already. I also had them checked about 5k miles ago and there was no free play. The noise I am getting is just when driving on flat smooth ground, hence why I think its the cv's or the hubs like someone suggested. I guess I am just hoping someone reading this had the same symptoms and can clue me in so I don't have to spend money just trying to figure out what the problem really is.

I'm probably going to take it in Monday since I can't work on my truck while at school.

Jason

 

[BradE.]

Since they have been replaced, are they greaseable? If so, grease em'.

*Most* quality aftermarket chassis parts are greaseable.

 

[JasonF]

I jacked it up today to investigate. All kinds of play coming from the hub assembly. The wheel rocks on the steering knuckle unit. The ball joints and tie rods are all tight. So I guess I'm looking at a $217 sealed hub unit, plus labor. Might as well do both sides at the same time... gonna be a $700 week i think

Jason