Clunking when turning

[rccollin]

Im having a lot of "clunking" when turning, both left and right. Im thinking it may be time to replace the kingpin bushings. Anybody else have this issue? Tie rod and draglink ends appear to be good.

 

[rustystud]

Do you "feel" anything in the steering wheel ? Could be the steering gear itself. I would jack-up the truck (use jack stands) and have someone turn the wheel for you while you go and try and hear or feel anything loose in the steering system. Also once it is on the jack stands, get a long pry bar ( at least 5ft ) and put it under the wheels and pull up on it. If the king-pins are loose the wheel will move up and down. The wheel will also move up and down if the wheel bearings are loose or going bad. You cannot have more then 1/4" up and down movement (Federal Standards) . If you do then you must repair it.
Also have you checked your lug nuts lately ?

 

[camoyj7]

While its jacked up grease the spring bushings. Better to have axle hanging so the lower part of bushing get grease.
When bushings are a little worn and haven't been greased they will cause a clunking sound when turning.

 

[Flyingvan911]

With the truck parked try rocking the steering wheel side to side. If things are a little worn that can cause a little noise.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Could it be coming from the back? If so, its a common issue. The springs keep the axles centered but the box on the axle has extra space for articulation. Space equals clunks.

 

[Big Dumb Truck]

The last time I drove my Deuce I heard a clunk in the front end. I knew my wheel bearings were in bad shape. I had cleaned the and re packed them to buy me some time until I could rebuild the front axle. Now I am putting the axle back together with all new bearings, bushings and seals. Should be finished by the weekend. After inspecting all the consumable parts I have determined that my clunk was the left wheel bearing. The king pin bushings were in ok condition but they were replaced any way.
I hope this helps.

Mitchell.

 

[sandcobra164]

Mine clunks when turning right off the pavement onto my dirt road. Front and both Rear axles have been checked and serviced by myself. I think Recovery4X4 has likely figured it out. My truck will make it's 5th 200 mile one way trip to the GA Rally in a few months and I'm not worried about the axle staying under it. If you find something different, I'd be curious to know what you find.

 

[two.fiveM35]

Could it be coming from the back? If so, its a common issue. The springs keep the axles centered but the box on the axle has extra space for articulation. Space equals clunks.

Yes what he said!

 

[theeDIZ]

I'm having a slight clunk when turning hard left haven't tracked it down yet.

 

[brianp454]

I had this and it turned out to be a failed differential. Pics and info in what I did today thread.

 

[welldigger]

Im having a lot of "clunking" when turning, both left and right. Im thinking it may be time to replace the kingpin bushings. Anybody else have this issue? Tie rod and draglink ends appear to be good.

First and foremost make sure all of your lug nuts are tight. I had a front tire coming loose on one of my one tons the other day. Left turns made a horrendous clunking noise. Front left tire had all 8 lug nuts coming loose.

Then check the front wheel bearings and u joints inside the knuckles.

If it was kingpin bushings you would notice severely uneven tire wear on the inside edge of the front tires. That area would have accelerated wear.

 

[dmetalmiki]

First and foremost make sure all of your lug nuts are tight. I had a front tire coming loose on one of my one tons the other day. Left turns made a horrendous clunking noise. Front left tire had all 8 lug nuts coming loose.

Then check the front wheel bearings and u joints inside the knuckles.

If it was kingpin bushings you would notice severely uneven tire wear on the inside edge of the front tires. That area would have accelerated wear.

Second that. That's what I would definitely check for first.