So I noticed a couple days ago that when turning the steering wheel to the right while the truck isn't moving that I get a noticeable clunk when the wheels get to a certain point. This is consistent. Happens about 3/4 of the way to full right lock. Is a ball joint going to hell? Something wearing out in my steering linkage? I turn like this all the time when backing out of the driveway so this is definitely something new that is happening and it started suddenly. Thanks, Rob

 

Maybe the steering rack. Jack up the front end with both tires off the ground. Next, grab one of the wheels and swing the steering end to end.

Feel and listen, I bet you find it. I was surprised to find the truck doesn't have a steering lock when off.

 

Your description has me thinking bad CV joint. The clunk at a specific point when turning is very typical of front wheel drive (or 4x4) vehicles with a bad CV. Have you checked the integrity of the CV boots? Cracked, grease spilling out?

 

The shop is saying the issue is within the steering rack. Apparently something (bushing?) is wearing out and causing this extra movement & noise. Sounds like it is a $700-ish repair, plus an alignment. I'm going to defer the work for now to save up for that big of a hit.

They also found a torn CV joint boot and that needs to be dealt with right now, especially with winter coming. Given what Chilly said above I'm wondering if the issue is really the CV joint and the steering box is just a more minor secondary issue?

Rob

 

It isn't a big deal to replace the CV yourself, might as well do that first and then see if the noise goes away.

 

Their price was reasonable for replacing the CV. I'm having that done. We'll see what happens with the noise. I know I could do it myself but I'm pretty busy in the next couple of weeks and having them do it is just easier. Hopefully that resolves the issue.

Rob

 

CV joint resolved the clunk?

 

Yeah, it appears to have done it. The mechanic also swore that the steering rack was going bad too (bushing is going out in it) but that was $800+ to repair and the CV joint was an obvious issue so I just did the CV joint. I think that was the whole issue. Rob