2007 Ranger XLT Clunk On Both Sides While Turning Slow...

davidschap · #1 05-12-2011, 05:20 PM

Hi guys...

Well, i've only had my Ranger a month & welcome to issue number one lol. A couple weeks ago, I noticed a slight clunk when turning my wheel sharply out of my apartment building. Wasn't sure what it was, and didn't really sweat it.

Fast forward to today, and now it's happening on both sides prominently on slow sharp turns. I did notice the TSB about the clunk and the inner tie rod ends needing replacing. Fair enough. Called ford today & they stated that they change them out with the same part for $380 (socal prices ). The same part ? Why would I toss the same part on if there is an issue already ?

My question is, does it sound like the inner tie rod ends ? Some claimed it was the intermediate shaft on the steering, but i'm not feeling it there. On slowly turning, wheel fully ****ed, I get a good clunk out of it, on either side, and it definitely is coming from the shock area. Can't repeat by myself as the truck needs to be moving to do it.

Have an appointment @ 4 wheel parts on saturday for general maintenance and inspection of my fabtech lift, and will ask them about it, but wanted to ask you guys first...

Thanx
David

Oh yeah, it's a 2007 XLT with a 3" fabtech spindle lift in the front.

mikey09120 · #2 05-12-2011, 07:32 PM

i sometimes here a clunk when turning sharply and have found that part of it is the rear axle and normal. shake your truck side to side and you will hear it. not sure if thats the noise your hearing?

davidschap · #3 05-12-2011, 07:36 PM

nah mikey, it's weird. when first got truck it made no noises at all. then i noticed it when leaving my house on the passenger side, and not notice it on the drivers side as well.

it just matters which way i'm turning the wheel, but no matter which way, the same clunk/bang is heard on both sides.

as dangerous as this sounds, i almost want to get under there & have my friend drive a little bit so I can watch, as it only happens when moving.

Badmotorfinger1 · #4 05-12-2011, 07:56 PM

Do you hear the clunking sound more on warmer days (say 70+ degrees) than on cooler days?

I had a similar issue (I described my noise as creaking) with my truck for years and it drove me nuts. Got the same responses as you with the tie rods, etc and then as a last ditch effort injected some grease into the front axle boot. Never had the creaking sound again. I ask about the temp as mine only seemed to creak on warmer days.

davidschap · #5 05-12-2011, 08:11 PM

That's a tough one bro, as I live in San Diego, it's always warm

Being said, I know it's more prominent when the truck hasn't been driven for a bit, but that could be my ears as well, as it's annoying, as you said, & I find myself listening for it...

I also thought of one other thing. The day I got my truck, the previous owners had it aligned for me as well. Who knows, maybe firestone (where it was done) didn't tighten everything up properly?

I would be so much happier if it was just one side, but it's both. I just find it hard to believe that both tie rods when out at the same exact time, or some of the other fixes, both at the same time is confusing.

I have been to the very hot, very dry desert a few times too, which might bring up your grease point as well. Maybe it dried out on me? who knows...

Thanx
David

Badmotorfinger1 · #6 05-13-2011, 05:40 AM

I guess the solution would be to move to Antarctica for the cooler weather

What I would do is find a good suspension or alignment shop and have them check out all the moving components for wear. There's some simple tests that will show worn inner and outer tie rods and a good shop shouldn't jerk you around telling you it's worn when it isn't.

That being said, if your front axles have the boot I described, it's easy to pump some grease in there. I got a grease needle at NAPA for a few $$$, slipped it under the boot band clamp, and gave my gun a few pumps. Whoa, that sounds really perverted.

davidschap · #7 05-13-2011, 06:48 AM

I may just do that anyway, good to have on hand as i'm always needing to grease something.

Redoing my word document now for tech with all of the ideas i've found.

Yeah, the main reason i'm taking to 4 wheel parts is cause they did the install, and I have the receipts. Of course, warranty not covered on transfer to new owner, but atleast they will know they did the install.

Tried last night like crazy to figure out but the truck has to be moving, and dont want to get run over. No more medical bills please... I'm good.

It happening on both sides is the throw off. One would be great, but both at the same time ? It's why i'm leaning towards the caliper bolts hitting, but what do I know...

Thanx
David

davidschap · #8 05-14-2011, 06:04 PM

Turns out my ball joints were only hand tool tight, not tourqed at all. This had to happen when the lift was installed initially by the previous owner by, you guessed it, 4 wheel parts. I sent an email to the store manager of the other 4 wheel parts where it was installed. I have all receipts. Let's see what they say. Taking her to girlfriends house in a few for the real test.

I will definitely grease the steering stops. I had a feeling that was part of it as well as I saw the grooves digging into the stops. I won't crank like I was anymore, that's for sure.

I appreciate the insight guys.

Thanx
David

93RedRanger4x4 · #9 06-01-2012, 08:18 AM

Did tightening the ball joints fix it?

davidschap · #10 06-01-2012, 08:23 AM

Nope but taking off the gigantic fabtech steering stops did. I also got all new a arms with greasable ball joints all around ( raybestos premium ). No more clanging and can turn with ease, as well as no stretching of the brake lines. Have had zero issues

Thanx
David