Clatter/Clunk from left front while going over bumps
 

I have replaced my intermediate steering shaft, and it didn't fix the problem. When I go over bumps or washboarded roads, there is a clatter/clunk that happens each time I go over bumps. Upon visual inspection everything looks fine, and the truck goes down the road fine. It sounds like a loose mount or something, but I can't figure it out. The shocks have been replaced, and the truck has 133k on it. What do you think?

On my 05 Z71 I had the intermediate shaft replaced, clunk still there. Next thing replaced was the gear in the steering column. Clunk gone for most part.

It's not in the steering column. I can feel the clatter under my feet. It sounds like a shock bolt is out or something, but I don't think there is.

Well, if it's of any value to you I don't know, but I thought my clunk was in the suspension too.

tie-rod? also worn out sway bar bushings can do this too

lay underneath the truck if possible and have someone bounce that side as hard as possible. see if you cant pinpoint anything

Steering Clunk
 

I have a 2003 2500HD, Crew, 4X4, Duramax. To say the steering/front suspension sucks is being nice. I dug out my service records to see how many times GM has worked on the vehicle. At least I had extended warranty coverage until 102,000 miles...I now have 103,700 miles on the vehicle and the front end is clunking as badly as it ever has. I took the truck in just before the warranty expired, complaining of clunking...and of course, they found nothing.

Here is what has been done and when:

Oct 28, 2004 - 23,003
Intermediate Steering Shaft #1

April 4, 2006 - 47,724
Hub bearing assembly
Lube intermediate steering shaft
Alignment

Feb 1, 2008 - 74,881
Steering intermediate shaft #2
Lower Column bearing

Feb 12, 2008 - 75,036
Bearing/Bushing steering shaft
Lower column bearing

Dec 8, 2008 - 82,022
Bearing and hub Right front

Feb 12, 2010 - 90,474
Pitman Arm
Idler Arm
Intermediate steering Shaft #3
Alignment

Aug 26, 2010 - 97,655
Axle seal leaking

Oct 21, 2010 - 102,957
Dealer found nothing wrong...steering was clunking.

The rest of the truck is in very good condition. This IS NOT an off road vehicle and 99% of the time is driven as a commuter vehicle.

Does any after market company make steering components that will not start to fail in less than 5,000 miles? I'd like to keep the truck, but the loose/clunking steering really bothers me. Is there a decent service shop that won't rip me off on service (in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area)??

:mad:

David

I had a clunk in the frontend of my 3500 and it turned out to be the coilspring was not seated right and it was rubbing the housing when I went over a bump. Just a thought.

JC

or tie-rods, jack up the tire and shake it

This might explain it...

I just saw this on answer.com while researching another issue.

Expert's Answer





We do not have access to memos on this end, only technical service bulletins. The only bulletin out about the cab mounts is for a popping noise. If you have the popping noise, the dealer is to install insulators in the cab mounts. I have included the bulletin for you below.

You could take the truck in and complain about a popping noise and let them install the insulators, they would have to repair the nut inside the body as part of the process and would eliminate you from having to deal with it.

TECHNICAL
Bulletin No.: 06-08-61-003E
Date: June 22, 2010
Subject: Underbody Pop or Clunk Type Noise While Turning or Driving on Uneven Road Surfaces (Install Body Mount Insulator)
Models:
2004-2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2004-2010 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado (Classic), Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2004-2010 GMC Sierra (Classic), Sierra Denali (Classic), Sierra, Sierra Denali, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL

Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-08-61-003D (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).

Condition
Some customers may comment on a pop or clunk type noise while turning or driving on uneven road surfaces. This noise can be heard and/or felt at either the driver's or front passenger floor pan area.
Cause
Under certain conditions, normal movement between the frame and the #1, #2 or #3 body mounts may cause this noise to occur.
Diagnosis
<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="2"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td>1.</td><td>If the vehicle is equipped with aftermarket (non-GM Accessory) running boards or the running board is mounted using the body mount bolt, remove the running boards prior to test driving the vehicle. This will eliminate the running boards as the possible cause of the noise.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>2.</td><td>Install the J-39570 Chassis Ears to the frame rail at or near the body mounts.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>3.</td><td>Test drive the vehicle to identify which mount is suspect.
</td></tr></tbody></table>Correction
Install an insulator at the suspect mount(s). The insulator should be installed between the upper portion of the body mount and the frame bracket. The #1 mount is the mount located just under the A-pillar. The #2 mount is the mount located just under the B-pillar. The #3 mount is the mount located just under the C-pillar.