03 Sport Front Popping Clunking Creaking Noise?

[dalandshark]

I have searched the forums and not found anything that matches, or sounds like this problem on my 2003 Sport (v8 2wd) 103,000 miles, stock with XREAS.

I am getting a popping/creaking/clunking noise from what sounds like the Driver's front. It happens a lot, usually when backing out of my driveway (flat) and turning either way. It seems like it is related to "twisting" motions of the chassis, not bumps so much. It is very loud and embarrassing. Nothing seems to be loose. If I rock the front hard enough it will make the noise, but not when its jacked up.

I have had the suspension checked by Les Scwhab, and mentioned it to the dealer. Nothing is about to fall off. I had it at the dealer for tire install (stock size) and an alignment. The funny thing about the alignment is that the steering wheel wasn't centered when they were done about 98000 miles. I took it back at about 100,000 miles and they re-aligned it, but now the steering wheel is off the opposite way.

I am thinking that the part that is worn might be related to an alignment somehow. Or, maybe the dealer sucks at alignments and it's unrelated.

The noise does not sound like the clunk I had in a Camaro that was solved by replacing the sway bar bushings, although, I have not tried those yet on my T4R.

Any Suggestions???.. I don't want to replace the control arm bushings if its the ball joint or something else. Also, the brakes are new at 95000 miles. Have owned for 2 years since 97000 miles.

Also, this is my first post, so if I missed a thread let me know, or relocate this one.

 

[NuclearN8]

It's near impossible for anyone on a forum to help diagnose a sound without hearing it personally.
That said, I would get a proper alignment, then I would replace the sway bar bushings (front and rear). I would also lube the steering column u-joint. If still an issue after this, then I would mount a camera under the vehicle and try to record it while pulling out of the driveway and replicating the scenario that creates the sound. This is the only way to not guess and throw parts at it.
Good luck.

 

[fdbyrne]

I'm going to have to agree with the previous post and guess stabilizer bar bushings. When mine went bad they would clunk on small bumps and make another indescribable noise when the stabilizer bar torqued in the bushings.

It could actually be any number of things but I'd suggest pulling the stabilizer bar off of it and driving it for a week or so to see if the noise goes away. My bet is that it will. If it does, you'll have isolated the problem to either the bar ends or bushings and avoid throwing money into the other possible culprits (ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, etc.).

 

[97BlackAckCL]

It's almost always a bushing, could salso be a ball joint

 

[dalandshark]

Well, I ordered the front sway bar bushings. They are cheap enough to get me started. I'll let you know if the noise goes away. Otherwise, I'll try and record the noise.

 

[Greydog]

Sounds like lower ball joint creaking when you turn the wheel? to me. Try spraying some WD40 into the boot and if sound goes away, that's it.

 

[dalandshark]

Fixed, I think.

So, I replaced the sway bar bushings Sunday. The old ones looked ok, but they did have 100,000 miles on them. While under the truck, I was looking around for anything out of the ordinary. My finger slipped across the bolt on the driver's side front-lower-control-arm. It was loose. While pulling on the steering box, I could hear my problem noise coming from the bushing area.

I called the dealer that had done the alignment and told them what I had found. I mentioned that it was due for a recall (brake pedal computer update) and it would be a perfect opportunity for them to prove themselves by checking on that bolt.

They re-aligned the front, making sure the bolt was tight, took care of the recall, and changed my oil at no charge! 5 star service I wasn't expecting (all without any yelling from me). I didn't even ask for the oil change... they just called and offered.

The noise seems to have gone away, which I'm sure was from that bushing where the bolt was loose. I wouldn't be surprised if I need to replace that bushing, but if the noise isn't gone, it is much quieter... time will tell for sure. Just for the record, I don't blame the dealer for the noise, but I did for the loose bolt and improper alignment job.

Cheers.

 

[fdbyrne]

Congratulations.

 

[ben550]

Oh the benefits of climbing under your truck every once in a while... Good find.