I've been experiencing a popping sound in the front end when going over bumps, backing up, and mostly on the left side.

Last week, I noticed a LOT of play in the steering wheel when turning to the right going down the road and the noise is now constantly there. Turning left it feels normal. The left tire now has a lean to it similar to a lot of camber. I don't know much about front ends but I need to get this figured out ASAP (ball joint, tie rod). Truck has 60k miles on it.

I'd also like to know if it's something an average backyard mechanic could deal with? Any online sources for a diagram of the front end?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Hemidude,

It could be that but I since I cannot see it.

Hemidude,

Jack-up the front end rotate the tires, check for noise from the wheel bearings. It will make the same noise and if bad enough you will be able to shake your tire. Had the same problem here.

This is for a 03 4X4 Hope it helps

HUB / BEARING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4X4
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor if
equipped, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the halfshaft nut.
NOTE: Do not strike the knuckle with a hammer to
remove the tie rod end or the ball joint. Damage to
the steering knuckle will occur.
(6) Remove the tie rod end nut and separate the
tie rod from the knuckle using special tool 8677.
(7) Remove the upper ball joint nut and separate
the upper ball joint from the knuckle using special
tool 8677.
(8) Pull down on the steering knuckle to separate
the halfshaft from the hub/bearing.
(9) Remove the three hub/bearing mounting bolts
from the steering knuckle (Fig. 14).
(10) Slide the hub/bearing out of the steering
knuckle (Fig. 14).
(11) Remove the brake dust shield.

INSTALLATION - 4X4
(1) Install the brake dust shield (Fig. 16).
(2) Install the hub/bearing into the steering
knuckle and tighten the bolts to 163 N·m (120 ft.
lbs.) (Fig. 16).
(3) Install the brake rotor and caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the upper ball joint nut to the steering
knuckle and tighten to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.) (on 1500
series only an additional 90° turn).
(6) Install the tie rod end nut to the steering
knuckle and tighten to 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.) then an
additional 90°.
(7) Install the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251
N·m (185 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower vehicle.

I'm gonna have to say that the bearing is fine. But, I honestly am not sure what to call it - control arm? - the broken part is located on the driver's side and reminds me of a CV axle - it has a boot on it and bolts up to the hub assembly. Jacking up the front end, the tire moves in and out plus I can see where it looks like the threads have stripped on the female end that connects to the hub assy. (it also has a locking nut on it).

I think you are talking about tie rod end. It attaches to the rack & pinion.

quote:

Originally posted by 1st HEMI:
I think you are talking about tie rod end. It attaches to the rack & pinion.

Thank you, James!

I hope it works out. Just remember if you do it yourself (which you can) make sure to take it to an alignment shop after the repairs are done.

mine had a noise/vibration/bump feeling in the steering wheel...took it to the dealer and they said they have had a lot of trucks with that type of complaint..well he said it was the u-joint in the steering shaft binding(lack of luberication) so he sprayed it down with some lube...that was 6 months ago and no more issues.

That might or might not be what you are having but its worth the thought...I hope!!!