2nd Gen Dakota Tech 1997 - 2004 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 2nd Gen Dakota.

Random "Thump" felt in steering wheel turning Left under braking.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 03:27 PM
  #1  
XSubaruJeepDude's Avatar
XSubaruJeepDude
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
Default Random "Thump" felt in steering wheel turning Left under braking.

Ok guys, what's your take on this?
i sometimes feel a very light "thump" ( best way i can think to describe it) in the steering wheel when braking and turning left.
Say for example, when i slow down to turn into a driveway or shopping center from the road.
i've visually inspected the suspension and linkages and cant physically find any play in the steering linkage.
I'm wondering if this might be an internal problem in the rack or possibly a non-visible brake problem?
Also the front shocks are worn out and ineffective, could it simply be a shock issue?
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2019 | 02:13 AM
  #2  
tonypilot7's Avatar
tonypilot7
Professional
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 6
From: America's Pizza Oven.. Phoenix, AZ
Default

First thing that comes to mind for me is a ball joint.
 

Last edited by tonypilot7; Mar 30, 2019 at 02:18 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2019 | 12:08 PM
  #3  
XSubaruJeepDude's Avatar
XSubaruJeepDude
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by tonypilot7
First thing that comes to mind for me is a ball joint.
which side would you suspect?
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2019 | 01:44 PM
  #4  
tonypilot7's Avatar
tonypilot7
Professional
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 178
Likes: 6
From: America's Pizza Oven.. Phoenix, AZ
Default

I would check both sides just to be sure. If it is happening when you turn left, The upper ball joint on the right side would be the most likely culprit, but it could be either. Jack up the wheel then push and pull on the top and bottom of the tire and if there's any movement, clunking, etc then visually inspect the ball joint just to confirm that is where the movement is. Are your ball joints original? It was a common problem on factory ball joints.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2019 | 04:34 PM
  #5  
DirtyDakoter's Avatar
DirtyDakoter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Default

Check for play in your steering shaft. Had literally the same exact problem as you and it was the culprit.
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2019 | 01:40 PM
  #6  
DodgeCares's Avatar
DodgeCares
Champion
10 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 28
From: Mopar HQ
Default

Originally Posted by XSubaruJeepDude
Ok guys, what's your take on this?
i sometimes feel a very light "thump" ( best way i can think to describe it) in the steering wheel when braking and turning left.
Say for example, when i slow down to turn into a driveway or shopping center from the road.
i've visually inspected the suspension and linkages and cant physically find any play in the steering linkage.
I'm wondering if this might be an internal problem in the rack or possibly a non-visible brake problem?
Also the front shocks are worn out and ineffective, could it simply be a shock issue?
Hello XSubaruJeepDude,

We understand your desire to reach a solution for this. You're going to get great advice here but if you end up going into the dealer, let us know. We're available via private message and would be happy to help.

Jasmine
Dodge Social Care Specialist
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2019 | 08:15 PM
  #7  
XSubaruJeepDude's Avatar
XSubaruJeepDude
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by tonypilot7
I would check both sides just to be sure. If it is happening when you turn left, The upper ball joint on the right side would be the most likely culprit, but it could be either. Jack up the wheel then push and pull on the top and bottom of the tire and if there's any movement, clunking, etc then visually inspect the ball joint just to confirm that is where the movement is. Are your ball joints original? It was a common problem on factory ball joints.
Originally Posted by DirtyDakoter
Check for play in your steering shaft. Had literally the same exact problem as you and it was the culprit.
Thanks for the suggestions i'll check those area's out.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:33 PM.