01 Durango 4.7 108K Recently replaced upper and lower ball joints with maybe 8k miles on them now. Tie rod ends tight. All bushings, links, rack, all tight.

Front end metal on metal noise when the car is in motion and the suspension moves even the slightest. When parked you can jump on the bumper all day and it's silent. If you turn the wheel it'll make the same sound but only when the vehicle is moving. It's 2wd/4wd and it doesn't matter what the diff switch is turned to.

It sounds like hundreds on little rocks are chattering away. Immediately upon the issue today my steering wheel is no longer straight. It's turned about 15 degrees to the left. The truck still tracks straight and has no play in the steering wheel.

Wheel bearings feel great, no play when I grab the tires and move them when the truck is jacked up.

It is extremely loud, needs to be in motion and the front suspension has to move up or down.

Please advise,
Bob

 

Sounds similar to my previous problem. I replaced just about everything and finally gave up. It turned out to be the front driveshaft. I guess you have to have it in the air to be sure. It cost me $225 to learn that lesson!

 

Update: I had a look at the front drive shaft. It needs replaced as the transmission end is warn. So I removed it and test drove the truck. The symptoms haven't changed.

Perhaps it is the CV axles after all. I didn't replace them yet as they have no play and visually look fantastic.

Please advise.

 

Holy hell, after all this effort it seems the leaf spring bushings are shot. The noise transferred to the front of the truck. Crazy stuff. Well, energy suspension, here I come.

At the very least, I did discover that the front drive shaft needed replaced.

Thanks