Front end POP (Full Version)

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Front end POP

  

99DodgeDKSP -> Front end POP (5/7/2008 9:39:35 AM)

I get a POPping sound/feeling from the drivers side front tire area.  Mostly happens when at a standstill and turning the steering wheel from full counter-clockwise towards clockwise.  I can actually see my tire sort of jump a bit right about when it gets to the center position while turning the steering wheel.  I have changed my drivers side outer tie rod end, and all upper and lower ball joints are new (replaced for other reasons).  Would the hub be causing this?  Any other ideas?

  
KodiakJeff -> RE: Front end POP (5/9/2008 2:11:51 PM)

I've got the same kind of sound coming from mine only it's on the passenger side. Mine usually pops when I'm leaving my driveway, turning left and I can hear/feel it on the passenger side floorboard so it sounds like it's coming from the right-front of the truck. It sounds like someone hits the bottom of the truck with a hammer. Kinf of a dull thud.
I've yet to come across anyone who can identify the cause of the sound. Even the shady Dodge dealer we used to have here (he's in prison now) couldn't tell me what it was.
So, although I cannot help you with the problem, I'm hoping someone here can so I can begin to understand what the problem might be with my truck.

Good Luck!
-Jeff

JasonA -> RE: Front end POP (5/9/2008 5:22:11 PM)

If it's not something simple like a loose wheel, I would suspect something INSIDE the steering system.  If you have a 2WD, the rack may need replacing.  If 4WD, it has a recirculating ball steering box that may need work.  Either way, if it's not something obvious, that's about the only other thing it could be.

Could also be severely worn control arm bushings too, I guess.

KodiakJeff -> RE: Front end POP (5/10/2008 8:48:11 AM)

Hey Jason,
I don't think it could be a worn out part simply because my pop has occurred since day one.
However, it might be something loose. I just haven't found anything loose yet. I've bennin there and under there installing the headers, CAI, TBS, shocks, etc and have yet to find anything rattling or loose.
I did, however, discover that I've had some field mice in the engine compartment this winter and that they have an affinity for rubber hoses...I think I've spent about $40 on new vacuum hoses to replace what they've compromised. Oh, and $6 on new mouse traps...

99DodgeDKSP -> RE: Front end POP (5/10/2008 12:58:14 PM)

I looked at it some more.  My A arm bolts I think are loose and the bushings look terrible (cracked and squished out of their original form).  When I turn the wheel from CCW to CW I can see the arm kind of pop into place as I come to center steer.  When I get to it I'll replace the bushings and tighten the a arm down and post if it helped or not.

JasonA -> RE: Front end POP (5/10/2008 6:25:37 PM)

Are you talking about the upper control arm?  Are you saying that the bolts that bolt the arm pivot to the frame appear loose?  My upper control arm bushings are trashed also.  One of those things that happens after 170,000 miles I guess.

99DodgeDKSP -> RE: Front end POP (6/3/2008 5:13:33 PM)

Just got back to this over the weekend.  My drivers side upper control arm pivot bar bolts were loose.  My control arm was popping in and out of place as the steering wheel was turned.  The bushings need to be replaced as well but tightening the pivot bolts down real good seems to have solved it....for now.

98Dodger4x4 -> RE: Front end POP (6/3/2008 6:29:39 PM)

I have a 98 dakoata and get the same thing from the drivers side front in the morning and after it rained. 

JasonA -> RE: Front end POP (6/4/2008 8:19:45 AM)

I'm getting a sharp rattling sound/feel going over railroad tracks and sunken manhole covers, and can't find the problem.  I know bushings are worn, but it feels like something's loose.  I'll check these upper A-arm swing bar bolts and see if those are it.  Thanks for the follow-up.

  

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