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?

 

uhhh. There's not really a noise when I turn as much as when I go over bumps.
Turning the wheel while the car is off in order to lock doesn't make a noise at all.
Audible noise, and I can feel something hitting the floor boards of my car.

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.

 

I'll try that tomorrow.. I think I should be fine driving to school tomorrow. Like I said, there's no pull to the wheel itself. It's kind of odd.

 

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

 

I had a feeling that's what you meant. It makes that noise when it's at the very end, like you said. It's no louder than any other car I've driven though.

I'll try that tomorrow afternoon and let you know. Thanks!

 

Problem occurs on older trucks when the bushings inside the rack wear out, they used to take up space, but are no longer there, and thus room is created and bolts seem to loosen, just a 1/4 turn will do wonders if thats the problem. just pull the truck in straight, turn it off, lock the wheel straight forward and tighten, assuming this turns out to be the issue.