75 Series Troopy steering snap (1 Viewer)

[troopygal]

1994 1HZ Troopy
Been chasing a strange sound coming from under the steering wheel inside the cab. It’s like a snap. Getting louder and more frequent. Happens when going over small bumps, when the wheels flex, taking off, changing gears and stopping. Doesn’t happen every single time and some days I don’t hear it. Doesn’t seem to be related to turning the steering wheel. The power steering pump is leaking, I always keep it topped up but I noticed the fluids looking brown. Seems that a previous owner has upgraded the leaf springs and shock absorbers. I recently did my cvs, swivel hub kit, changed the front leaf spring bushes and sway bar links/bushes.

Has anyone experienced this? Should I be concerned?

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[coldtaco]

it could be a crack in the sheet metal somewhere, which makes a noise like you are describing, I think.

 

[Felde]

Hi
I'd take a deeper look. Appears to me, something in your front end is coming loose. Probably risky when it eventually breaks / falls off and it's your steering or suspension...
- Inside the cab, there is basically only the steering wheel tilt adjustment, the u-joint in the steering column allowing for that tilt, and a bearing for the steering column I the steering tube. Actuate the tilt, try to move the steering with engine off to diagnose this section.
- But sound can trick you. Further down the steering column (already in the engine compartment) threre is likely another u-joint and a gliding piece that allows for length adjustment and helps with disassembly. That poor thing seldom sees some grease.
- But I would rather thinking of steering linkage on the axle, pitman arm, tierod ends, or suspension (U-bolts, spring clamps, spring center bolts, bushings or sway bar links. As your steering box already leakes, the pitman arm bearing in the box is also a candidate.
(I had a similar noise coming from my swaybar links, which canted in their hangers on axle articulation due to worn bushings and made a clu k noise when breaking loose).
Get somebody to crank the steering when stationary and / or engine off and check for noise and unwanted movements. Jack up wheels and check wheel play and play in the knuckles. Take a crowbar and try to move suspension into directions it's not supposed to go / check for loose connections and worn bushings. Thigthten all suspension bolts and nuts to spec.
Side note: Steering fluid shouldn't be brown or smell burned. Was probably not changed for a long time. The fluid not only helps in power transfer, but also lubes your steering box. Steering boxes are expensive. Change that fluid. It's a quick job.
Good luck Ralf

 

[troopygal]

Hi
I'd take a deeper look. Appears to me, something in your front end is coming loose. Probably risky when it eventually breaks / falls off and it's your steering or suspension...
- Inside the cab, there is basically only the steering wheel tilt adjustment, the u-joint in the steering column allowing for that tilt, and a bearing for the steering column I the steering tube. Actuate the tilt, try to move the steering with engine off to diagnose this section.
- But sound can trick you. Further down the steering column (already in the engine compartment) threre is likely another u-joint and a gliding piece that allows for length adjustment and helps with disassembly. That poor thing seldom sees some grease.
- But I would rather thinking of steering linkage on the axle, pitman arm, tierod ends, or suspension (U-bolts, spring clamps, spring center bolts, bushings or sway bar links. As your steering box already leakes, the pitman arm bearing in the box is also a candidate.
(I had a similar noise coming from my swaybar links, which canted in their hangers on axle articulation due to worn bushings and made a clu k noise when breaking loose).
Get somebody to crank the steering when stationary and / or engine off and check for noise and unwanted movements. Jack up wheels and check wheel play and play in the knuckles. Take a crowbar and try to move suspension into directions it's not supposed to go / check for loose connections and worn bushings. Thigthten all suspension bolts and nuts to spec.
Side note: Steering fluid shouldn't be brown or smell burned. Was probably not changed for a long time. The fluid not only helps in power transfer, but also lubes your steering box. Steering boxes are expensive. Change that fluid. It's a quick job.
Good luck Ralf

Me and plenty of others have checked all of that.
Will look at changing the steering fluid though.
If all of the things you suggested are okay, would you still be concerned about it?

 

[troopygal]

it could be a crack in the sheet metal somewhere, which makes a noise like you are describing, I think.

where should i be looking to see if this is the case?

 

[Felde]

Hi
If something makes this kind of noise, it is not as intended. Sound is always created by a movement of some sort. So: Something is moving, which shouldn't move. That's for sure. You simply haven't found it yet.
Movement, in particular unintended movement, also creates wear and tear.
But if you have thoroughly checked all important items and can rule out serious issues, you are probably good.
You are left with an annoying sound 'only'.
Good Luck Ralf

 

[coldtaco]

where should i be looking to see if this is the case?

I would look at places that stuff is attached to.