Replaced Ball Joins/Steering Control Arm, but problem still exists?
I got a 99 Ranger XLT about 4 weeks ago, and it's been running fine with the exception of a knocking noise whenever I go over bumps. I can feel whatever is hitting hit the bottom of my truck, along with a somewhat loud knock. I was told this was the ball joints by a local suspension shop, so I got them replaced along with the steering control arm, but the problem still exists, along with a side effect: the steering wheel now has a LOT of play. I'm talking 4-5 inches either way. It used to be extremely tight. I had the steering aligned after I replaced the parts, and it's still the same. The steering itself seems fine once I get through the 'play area'.
Does anyone have any suggestions for either of these problems? As far as I know, everything is tightened properly. |
sounds like the rack and pinion has gone or the powersteering pump failed?
check for powersteering fluid leaks-with the very high amount of pressure, leaks are common and for the noise-i would of suspected the sway bar links, tie rods, or shock mounts . does it only make a noise when you turn or go over bumps? |
Tie-rods. Check your Power steering fluid. Do you hear a really loud whine when you turn the wheel to lock?
|
Bushings are shot maybe?
|
Something else possibly hitting it and making that noise, not connected to suspension or steering? Loose spare, gas tank strap broke, missing exhaust hangers... Is it an audible noise or a more of a"clunky" vibration?
|
Originally Posted by Kris03
(Post 1950657)
sounds like the rack and pinion has gone or the powersteering pump failed?
check for powersteering fluid leaks-with the very high amount of pressure, leaks are common and for the noise-i would of suspected the sway bar links, tie rods, or shock mounts . does it only make a noise when you turn or go over bumps?
Originally Posted by StxDangerRanger
(Post 1950661)
Tie-rods. Check your Power steering fluid. Do you hear a really loud whine when you turn the wheel to lock?
Originally Posted by paganwars
(Post 1950706)
Something else possibly hitting it and making that noise, not connected to suspension or steering? Loose spare, gas tank strap broke, missing exhaust hangers... Is it an audible noise or a more of a"clunky" vibration?
I really think I did something wrong. The steering was perfectly fine before I took it in to have the joints changed. |
That's a lot of play in it. Surprising the Alignment shop didn't mention something. Have an assistant turn the wheel in the free play area and inspect to see what is moving...or not moving.
|
Originally Posted by rolsmojave3
(Post 1950759)
That's a lot of play in it. Surprising the Alignment shop didn't mention something. Have an assistant turn the wheel in the free play area and inspect to see what is moving...or not moving.
|
Not while your truck is off.
Turn your wheel until it doesn't turn anymore while the truck is on. If it whines a lot, your power steering pump may be bad. it might be hard to turn. |
had this happen after I replaced my rack. May not be the same knock but its something to check. When I would turn it would almost SNAP and POP and the entire truck could feel it loudly.
Get under the front end, with a BFwrench and try to tighten the two bolts that hold down the rack. When mine were slightly loose i could turn my wheel 90degrees without the wheels moving (scary). So thats something to check as well. otherwise follow what others have said |
Originally Posted by StxDangerRanger
(Post 1950796)
Not while your truck is off.
Turn your wheel until it doesn't turn anymore while the truck is on. If it whines a lot, your power steering pump may be bad. it might be hard to turn.
Originally Posted by rangerrunner11
(Post 1950802)
had this happen after I replaced my rack. May not be the same knock but its something to check. When I would turn it would almost SNAP and POP and the entire truck could feel it loudly.
Get under the front end, with a BFwrench and try to tighten the two bolts that hold down the rack. When mine were slightly loose i could turn my wheel 90degrees without the wheels moving (scary). So thats something to check as well. otherwise follow what others have said |
Originally Posted by timwolf1
(Post 1950831)
I'll try that tomorrow afternoon and let you know. Thanks!
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:05 PM. |
© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands