Tie Rod ends or what?

[Spokanedad]

Hey all-

I have a rhythmic thumping that is most evident at slow speeds and smooths out a bit as I get up to cruising speed. All front end and harsh.

Info:

1. 92 4.0 OHV with 2' lift kit, w/ 31's.
2. Replaced both front races and wheel bearings yesterday.
3. New front brake pads, rotor is in good shape and not warped. Brakes bleed and flushed with all new fluid.

Issue:
1. A lot of slop remains after changing out front bearings at 9-3. I was disappointed it wasn't the bearings, although I bought this truck two months ago and one bearing set was dry and rusty, so it was good I did them.

2. The grease boots on the tie rod ends won't hold grease anymore and although they don't move I know they have to be bad.
3. I have no idea how long the ball joints have been in their and the aren't the greasable type.

What is the likely cause of the thumping? I will eventually replace all of these parts but I want to get rid of the horrific noise first and move on to the other PM work as I can afford it.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[94Gexplorer]

have you jacked it up till tires off the ground and tried shaking things

 

[Spokanedad]

have you jacked it up till tires off the ground and tried shaking things

I have....Slop from 9-3 Tight from 12 to 6...I thought for sure the bearing were the culprit....9 to 3 slop still there...

 

[94Gexplorer]

yep tie rod ends you could also get someone to sit in the truck and move the wheel back and forth and you should see slop there

 

[Spokanedad]

yep tie rod ends you could also get someone to sit in the truck and move the wheel back and forth and you should see slop there

Thought so....I'll report back after I get them installed...

 

[tweakedlogic]

Also check your pitman arm and idler arm.

 

[Spokanedad]

Is there a sticky for "Outer Tie Rod Ends"...i've searched but cannot find one...

 

[tweakedlogic]

They are really easy to remove. first loosen the nut on the steering arm. Mark the locaton where the tie rod ends on the arm with a marker or paint pen. then remove the nut holding the nut on the hub arm. There is a flat part that kind of looks like a seam on the hub's arm. smack that a few times with a hammer and the tie rod will fall out. Do not hit the treads with the hammer.
count the turns it takes to remove the tie rod from the shaft. When you reinstall the new tie rod, you should turn it the same number of turn. use the mark to verify you have it right. slip the tie rod back into the hub arm and tighten the nut. then tighten the lock nut on the shaft. Repeat for the other side.

 

[hatchling37]

Even if you're careful to count threads, it can't be as accurate as actually having an alignment done, I would recommend one highly.
If the slop is not at the outer joint and you can feel it move at the inner tie rod (the rack) you might want to pull the boot clamp and look inside the boot and make sure the rack isn't leaking at the outer seal

 

[Spokanedad]

Even if you're careful to count threads, it can't be as accurate as actually having an alignment done, I would recommend one highly.
If the slop is not at the outer joint and you can feel it move at the inner tie rod (the rack) you might want to pull the boot clamp and look inside the boot and make sure the rack isn't leaking at the outer seal

So installed the tie rod ends and it removed about 85% of the thumping. When I had the wheel in the air I repeated the 9 to 3 test and the movement is still there. However the thumping is almost gone. Much better. When I moved the tire back in for there was movement through the rack still.

There are three greasable bushings. Should they be replaced to move the remainder of the slop?

Input appreciated!

 

[94Gexplorer]

like i said before have someone sit inside and wobble the steering wheel back and forth and look for any slop

 

[Spokanedad]

like i said before have someone sit inside and wobble the steering wheel back and forth and look for any slop

Appreciate the response...

I can see slop as I move the tires from 9 to 3. My question is: Should the drag arm though the inner tie rods be tight with no play? Or is there some play necessary when in spec? Most of the thumping is gone but I did inspect play in the area along the drag arm from side to side. Normal?

 

[94Gexplorer]

im not sure how much play is tolerable but id replace it anyways cant hurt