I just bought a 97 ram 1500 4x4 ex-cab 5.9L. While driving yesterday, I noticed a popping noise coming from I think the left front. As long as I am going straight, it doesn't make a sound. It only does it when I am making a turn. There is no play in the steering and when I hear the noise I can't feel anything throught the steering wheel. Does anyone have any idea as to what could be making the noise? I bought the ram from an individual for $4700. As far as body, interior and drive train, you can tell the pickup has been taken care of. I am just worried as to what is making the popping sound.

 

Possible control arm bushings....Can you feel it poppig under your feet?

 

Turning left, right, or both ways? Possibly U-joint...

 

Need more information ... repeated popping or only once per turn? Turning one direction or either? Is it speed dependent? Could be shock mount, track bar, ball joint(s), sway bar link ...[>:]

 

Sorry it took so long for me to reply. The popping noise could only be heard when i was turning. I went out yesterday and greased everything under the front and the noise stopped. I did check the u-joints and you could feel a very small amount of movement. Does anyone know what could have possibly been making the noise. Speed or going straight didn't cause the noise. Only turning.

 

I dont know how much movement is a little on u-joints but it should be tight.

 

I figure it was either a ball joint, the tie rod or the drag link.

 

Don't most front u joint's only make noise when going straight when you turn they are quiet or close to quiet?

 

That is correct, the noise is only heard while driving straight. When turning, the noise will sease to exist since there is less pressure on the joint from what Ive been told.

 

Hey all, Im having a kind of similar problem. When i turn either direction and most of the time if theres a small bump in the road i will feel a kind of shift. Like something is loose up front. I dont feel it in my feet but in the steering wheel the most. From what ive read in the post could i assume that its the u-joints going out??