Hi I am new to this forum thing. I have a 2002 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4x4 and it's had a knock in the front end since I bought it. It's my first dodge I've owned so im not to sure about it yet. I took it in and was told the rack and pinion bushings were bad. So I replaced those. Still had the noise. so then they said the rack and pinion needed replaced cause the mount has a broken weld on it. So I replaced that with new tie rods and still have the noise. So I then turned to the sway arm end links and replaced those and still no luck. I raised the truck up in the air and checked my ball joints for play and there all tight. And the boots are all good still. I don't know what else to do from here. I've heard about the intermediate steering shafts going bad but I can feel the noise in my feet when it pops. I'm just lost. It dont sound like a axle clicking noise it just sounds like a popping/knocking noise. And it's getting louder and more consistent. Any info on this issue would be amazing. Thank you so much.

 

I believe the 02 has a solid axle in front? I am sure I won't call it the right part, bit you have upper and lower trailing arms. They help keep the axle from moving around. If the bushings are worn the axle will move.

 

Hi yes it's strait axle. It has upper and lower control arms with the ball joints in them. Other then that I'm not sure what your referring to. It sounds to me like it's on the drivers side. I have a appointment with Chrysler today at 430 to see what they think it is. But any info I can get will help oout alot to save me some money from chrysler. Thank you

 

Coming off the back of the axle are two bars on each side. Depending on mileage, if your over 100k and the ball joints are stock I would replace them. Also shocks. Track bar tie rods. Wheel bearing may be a culprit. Many of these parts can be bad, and have no signs of play or wear.

 

Bearings make a grinding sound when they're going out, not a knocking sound.

 

We found out the new rack that was installed was junk. It came from oreilly auto parts and the input shaft had so much play it was rediculous. So I'm waiting on my other rack to get here and put it in then I'll update if the problem is fixed. Also wheel bearings usually make a howling sound rather then a knock I thought. Maybe I'm wrong but.any advise helps. Thank you.