I noticed this noise a few years back when I bought my truck, it's now alot worse. I wouldn't call it a clunk, more of a squeaky rattle if you will.

With my truck sitting on flat ground in park at idle is the best way to hear it. I rock the steering wheel back and forth and the noise is easy to hear.

Also, at low speeds down the road it can be heard when hitting small bumps. Not really noticable at higher speed.

At 74K I had the front sway bar links replaced due to a bad clunk when going over bumps. This is a much different noise. I have 86K on the truck now. I'm thinking it's something in the steering. Just thought I would ask around before it goes to the shop.

 

I would check the tie-rod ends and ball joints for play.

 

Sounds like you have a dry ball joint.

 

If you can sit idle and rock the wheel back and forth and hear it, why not have someone rock the wheel while you get under there carefully and listen to see where it is coming from?

 

Thanks guys...I'll be looking into it. Really don't need a tie rod failure if I have one going out.

 

you might also watch the rack and pinion for movement at the mounts if you have a helper turning the wheel for ya.