My '97 Ram 4x4 makes a loud clicking noise from the front end when turning sharply at slow speeds, either in forward or reverse. Passenger U-joint was a very slight bit loose, so I replaced it, but the noise continued. Driver side U-joint felt tight, but had over 100K miles on it so I replaced it. It was very tight, infact almost seized, but even with a new U-joint the noise is still there. Hub/bearings feel good, as right now the truck is sitting on axle stands and there is no play in either wheel. One thing I just noticed though is the tie rods are quite easy to "twist". There doesn't appear to be any excess play in them, but they twist quite easy, right from the steering stabilizer to where they meet the wheel. But that is normal, is it not? What else could I check for the source of this "clicking" noise. Sounds just like bad U-joints have in the past, but they are both new.

 

A hub bearing may still be suspect.

 

Tie rod ends should be able to move, but not "easy." If it is very loose, they need replacing, but this does not give a ticking sound. I agree on hub bearing being a possibility. Does the ticking increase with speed increase?

 

I haven't noticed the loud clicking noise at anything other than turning sharply in a parking lot, or making a U-turn etc. Tomorrow morning I'll take it for a drive and report back. I haven't driven the truck in months, as I've been working out of town.

 

So it doesn't increase with speed but only happens when turning? Does it happen when stopped and turniong steering wheel?

Do you have a stethoscope? I wonder if it isn't the PS pump when turned hard. Might give it a listen with someone turning the wheel.

Still could be hub bearing - only binding when the axial load is changed like when turning.

Check steering pump and let us know.

 

It makes the noise when driving slowly and turned near either lock. It won't do it when stationary. I'll still report more tomorrow am.

 

That's what my truck was doing and only when I was in a turn. In my case the track bar was bad right where it was bolted to the fram on the drivers side.

 

Well I took it for a drive today for the 1st time in 2 months. Clicking noise is gone and I could not replicate it, so for now everything is good I guess! Will keep an eye on it.

 

I would believe its the CV joints. When those things start to wear-out, they do that. It's odd the clicking and popping went away though.

 

It just wanted to be driven!