Hi, I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. Recently, I have started hearing a clanking noise coming from the front-end. I'm wondering if anyone may have a clue as to what this may be and if it's something a novice mechanic could fix.

Here are some things to consider:

- The speed of the "clank" increases as the speed of the truck increases
- When you turn the wheel, it progressively gets more quiet until it cannot be heard when the wheel is turned as far as it will go
- If I put the truck in 4x4, the "clank" cannot be heard
- The "clank" noise can still be heard while compressing the brakes

If anyone has an idea, it would be MUCH appreciated!

Thanks!

 

start by checking your suspension components. check the sway bar links, tie rods etc....

 

Front axle shaft ujoint(s)

 

Thanks! I'll check that out this evening after work.

 

+1 on front axle u-joints. they're real easy to check. with truck in 2wd, just reach under the truck and find the inner half of the u-joint. rotate it back and forth and listen. it'll probably go clack clack, which is bad. replace with Precision 377 super strength greasable from napa fro $29 ea. and unless your Houdini you'll likely damage the axle seals when reinstalling the axle.

 

I would bet you need to replace your front wheel drive U joints. I have the same problem. I am reading as much as I can to help get this job done, the threads here are awesome. Checking these are very simple, climb under and see if you can move them by hand, if so you know they are junk.

 

yep P.O.S. d44 front axle u-joints. get you a set of chromolies and forget about it forever. you pay for what you get the cheap one will be loose again within two months.

 

Yep I need to replace the front axle u-joints. I was able to move them back and forth easily. I haven't replaced a u-joint before... gonna give it a shot this weekend sometime!

Thanks for all the replies!

 

Do a search here on that subject. Replacing the ujoints themselves is the easy part!

 

if you've not seen this, its a good primer.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-5.html

what zman is talking about is that by the time you get the axle up on the work bench to replace the joints, you'll be exhausted...

i'd hate to do u-joints for the first time and not have anyone to show me how.
all of mine were a bitch to get out.
i used sandpaper inside the yoke to clean them up a little, and used a dremel sanding disc to clean up some gouges from someone else's previous replacment.

tip- when installing, remove the caps and coat the needle bearings with thick wheel bearing grease to keep them in place, and prevent the little ****ers from falling down.