Strange thunking noise...

[RhainyC]

Ok so we got the steering gearbox in and everything seems fine...except, the truck is now making a clunking noise when I brake firmly. It feels like it is, I don't know how to describe it, perhaps like the motor is shifting forward? The whole truck seems to shift forward with a clunk...it's really weird.

I know the motor mounts aren't broken as my mechanic checked that, and everything when he looked her over after the wreck.

It has me a bit confused...it is not when braking normally, but I had to step kind of hard on the brakes and as I was coming to a complete stop the clunking happened.

Any ideas?

 

[RhainyC]

Wow...did I stump everyone? I am at a loss here...someone I talked to mentioned radius arm bushings...does that sound like it could be the problem?

Anyone?

 

[cybergasm]

I have a strange clunking in my X also but I have not figured out what it is yet. Mine seems to be happening after i have come to a complete stop and have sat there for a moment or two then BAM the whole truck jerks like it slamming in to gear. And oh yea it only does this intermittently too. but have experienced this off-road too. So it might be the Radius Arm bushings.

oine of these days i will get under there and hunt it down

 

[djsk8r33]

i have nearly the same thunk as you. do it do it occasionaly on turns over bumps and weird situations like that?

all i hear/(know) is RA bushing. they look fine from the outside but usually theyre really worn and you cant see it without looking at them
i will replace mine from harbor freight decides to send me my air chisel

 

[92exp4x4]

I know radius arm bushings can cause problems. If these are worn you can get movment fore and aft, but i imagine that they would have to be badly worn.

Did you have an accident? There could be alignment issues in the steering itself or the suspention components other than the wheel ends.

 

[RhainyC]

92exp4x4, Yes my truck had a wreck, hubby was driving it. Front end is damaged, the steering linkage bent, but before we changed the steering gearbox, the truck didn't do this clunking thing...which is why I say it is weird. Every thing is tight and attached...from the gearbox install...

So I am left to believe from what I have heard/read that the ra bushings are probably to blame. Once my tie rod ends and center/drag link get here, and we tear her down again, I guess I will replace them, rather than wait and have more trouble down the road.

Thanks folks, as usual you all ROCK!

 

[92exp4x4]

Glad we could help, thats what its for.

Good luck