Steering Clunk

[jmsprang]

I real bad "clunk" developed in my 99 Ranger this last weekend. It happens when I steer to the right only. Very noticeable at slow speeds and even when sitting still. I can feel it in the wheel. I am stumped. I jacked it up and all the ball joints, tie rods, and stabilizer links appear to be in good shape nice and tight. Rocking the wheel at 3 and 9 and 6 and 12 seems to be all good.

When I jacked it up and turned the key on the moving the wheels with my hands and steering in the truck does not clunk while in the air. A soon as I lower it and fire it up it does it. The weird thing is it seems to only do it when turning the wheel to the right. Any thoughts on what to check?

 

[R1dd1cK]

How did you go about testing the lower ball joints? Where they loaded or unloaded when you tested them?

 

[jmsprang]

Thanks for the quick reply. Ball joints were unloaded. Rocked the tire at 12 and 6 and stuck a pry bar in between to test for movement. Seemed tight. Just want to point out that it clunks when sitting still and moving the steering wheel back and forth. I don't even yank on the steering wheel to get it. It does have to be loaded for it to clunk. unloaded no clunk. Thoughts?

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Sounds like an inner tie rod, but could be a ball joint. With engine off and vehicle on the ground, have someone turn the wheel to that side while you watch and listen. It likely will move outward with no issue, but have some slack and pop with no movement when turned inward if its the tie rod. Without engine noise or vibration should be able to isolate the sound and see the issue.

 

[swshawaii]

Check all four upper control arm camber/caster bolts. My passenger side rear nut backed off 1/8" causing a very loud clunk turning into the driveway, and going straight at slow speeds over small bumps. Hopefully the alignment wasn't changed if any were loose. Torque @ 98 ft/lbs and use Loctite.

http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library...er-adjustment-8212-4x2-general-procedures.pdf