I need help guys. I have an 03 ram 1500 4x4 with off road package. I have a popping similar to the sound of a bad u-joint but more prominent coming from the front end. It only occurs when turning deep and moving. In the past year or so I have replaced both wheel bearings/hubs, both tie rod ends, and just the other day replaced the 6 month old cv axles just in case one was bad. It seems to be coming from the driver side but not certain. Any ideas or input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

Popping is a classic indication of a bad ball joint...

 

I just had the same pop sound coming from what I thought was my front end too on driver side. Ball joints replaced last June. So I carried it back to the shop that did my ball joints. Turns out my step bar was popping when I was turning. Didn't feel loose when stepping on it getting in or out of the truck. They tightened the bar up, never popped again on way home and it was doing it regularly in left turns.

 

My sway bar links pop when I turn. I just havent had the chance to change them out yet.

 

Ok, here's an update. I've checked my swaybar and ball joints and all seem to be fine. I'm not a master mechanic by any means, but I've NEVER had a vehicle in a shop and I know my way around a vehicle. My question is do you think turning puts enough lateral pressure on the drivetrain that would cause a bad front u-joint to pop? These "nit picky" things agrivate the s--- out of me.

 

aside from ball joints and swaybar, the cv axle can pop on turns when its about to go on you.