Its a very random thing. Its popped turning and going straight. The truck has been having a slight pull to the passenger side in the last month or so. I figured it was alignment stuff. That have anything to do with it?

The noises are constant. It can go awhile before hearing them.

 

How do i check this stuff? I have replaced ball joints before on another truck.


I really appreciate all this help guys.

 

You can start by a visual inspection on the upper and lower ball joints. Check out the boots and see if there's torn up or if you have grease coming out of 'em. Also, you should be able to jack up the front and pull the top and bottom of the tire, there should be no play. If it's a bearing you should also be able to hear a little bearing noise if you spin the tire while it's in the air. Also, you can have a friend bounce on the front of the truck while you get underneath and see if you can possibly hear any noise.

 

Okay so here's an update. Its now popping when making a left hand turn on the road. The popping can be felt through the floor. It will make a howl just kinda all the time. So I guess a bad hub on the driver side?

Do the rams use a bolt on or pressed on hub/wheel bearing?

 

the whole hub is bolt on (3 bolts) to the spindle

 

Jack one side up at a time. You only need to lift the fron tire a few inches off the ground. Feel for movement in the bearing as you move the wheel. Pull out with your right and push with your left. Viceversus. If the hub has play, you will know even by moving the wheel slowly. If you can quickly jerk the wheel you may get a pop.
If there is no play at all then no bearings ar e bad or they aren't bad enough for you to really notice. There is also tierod play when doing that motion, so a helper is needed to eyeball the tierods.
When you lift the wheel, you will be checking for upper/lower balljoints. Use a long prybar and stick it under the tire and lift. The vibration should be felt through the prybar so you don't need to listen. if you feel movement, have your helper look at both balljoints to see what's moving.
Also, grab the wheel and try to pull the entire wheel out/ and then press in. This is another check for the hub.(side-side movement)

Ultimately...My guess is your upper balljoints need to be replaced or your struts are worn out. Generally a clunk when turning is slack in a balljoint which is why you feel it in your floorboards. if this is the case. i say buy all new balljoints upper/lower for both sides and do them yourself. Then have it aligned. But, check to make sure if this is the culprit.

 

Okay thanks guys. You all are very helpful. I checked the price for the hub today and its 180 dollars. I hope that's not whats wrong. I cant afford it.

 

My thought is that it is the hub and bearings. But it can also be much more simple. Is there a build up of ice or snow on the inside of the rim. I have had both conditions. The latter often vibrates as you drive.

 

Where did this come from? Vibration is not the problem here.

That1guy, $140 is not bad if that's actually the problem. Balljoints will cost a heck of a lot more cuz you'll need an alignment after touching any balljoints, tierods or anything to do with front suspension items. Alignment is like $85 alone.

 

Okay I got it fixed. The driver's hub was completely shot. Thanks guys.