jobofly

hey Guys, i am getting a clicking noise when i make a sharp left turn into a parking spot. it only happens as i am making the sharp turn and pushing the brakes, and it only clicks once, what do you guys think it is? i have 87000 miles on my truck now and have not done any work to the front end.

Thanks for your help

wde3477

Since you have 4WD, first guess would be a failed axle u-joint - always fun to change.

Next guess would be a wheel bearing issue.
Next guess would be a brake caliper / wheel clearance issue.

Fortunately, all of these can be verified by inspection and the wiggle-n-wobble test - so shouldn't be out-of-pocket with too much time or money on the wrong things.

A final thought would be the 4WD engagement system - perhaps it is not disengaging completely. Some of the other members will need to chime in here, as I'm not familiare with your model year's setup.

Good luck, and keep us posted on what you find.

jobofly

i was thinking u joints as well, cause i have a vibration at around 50 mph, how do i do the wobble test?

wde3477

Eh, no worries - not difficult at all.

You are looking for any free-play between the u-joint cross member and the driveshaft yokes. Make sure all torsion is relieved from the driveline - one of the better ways is to park on a level surface, or to securely block the wheels, set the parking brake, then put the transmission in neutral.

Rotate the driveshaft back and forth - slow, fast, small movements, large movements, and any other way you can think of. For the axle joints, I use a long screwdriver stuck in the yoke to provide the rotation.

Pay close attention to the area around the rubber seal between the u-joint cross-member and the u-joint cap in the yoke. If you can see any movement or free-play in this area, the joint should be replaced.

Good old Bill

If hubs are not engaged, than the front axle should not be turning. I do like the wheel bearing suggestion, if not adjusted properly, than wheel **** can happed causing the calipers to move and possible noise. I personally think its the nut between the seat and the steering wheel.

jobofly

i dont think it has anything to do with my 4x4. as i have not engaged it since march

brochf

That is exactly what happened to my truck at 80,000 miles I don't remember exactly what was hitting but the noise was something clicking on a valve, anyways my tie rod end on the passenger side was going out I replaced both ends and not a click since.

jobofly

was it a difficult task replacing the tie rod ends? any special tools needed?

brochf

No it was real easy, I rented a pickle fork from shucks but didn't even use it. It was a 1 hour job for me a non mechanic. You must get an alignment after though I think that was around $60 or so.