How to chase a steering clunk (1 Viewer)

[Spino]

Hey all. My ‘84 FJ60 makes a clunking noise when the wheel is turned to either side. Happens while stopped and while moving. Also occurs regardless of 2WD vs 4WD. It seems this is a fairly common issue. I’d love some guidance in how I should go about chasing this noise. For starters, this truck has:

1. New knuckle seals
2. New wheel bearings
3. New tie rod
4. A leaky power steering pump
5. OME shocks and shackles ... I believe lifted but not certain

So, I’ve seen this post suggesting to grease the steering column. This poster seems to have fixed his by replacing the shackle bushings. Other thoughts or possible culprits? I reckon I might start with the steering column since grease is cheap. Thanks!

 

[aviafx]

Since it clunks when you’re not moving, I’d think it would be steering-component related. Try jacking up the front end and have a partner turn the wheel lock to lock and see if there’s any movement in the tie rods, play in the steering box, or a loose u joint (or two) on the steering shaft coming out of the firewall.

FWIW I had a clunk-clunk when turning the wheel only a few degrees, replacing the u joints solved that problem.

 

[dbleon]

Also check leaf springs bushings. They may be toast

 

[3_puppies]

how about the spiders in the shaft in the engine bay?
when was the last time the slip yoke in the engine bay was greased/serviced?

 

[OSS]

The clunk is frequently caused by the leaves shifting sideways in the spring pack. Usually gets clunkier when the springs get wet. Gets quiet if allowed to rust up a bit to keep them from shifting.

 

[kevin in okinawa]

i vote for front shackle bushings!

 

[LandoNick]

Feel it in the steering wheel? I had a clunk in the wheel was the steering shaft u joint. But also the spring bushing

 

[Spino]

Also check leaf springs bushings. They may be toast

Are these different from the shackle bushings?

 

[Spino]

how about the spiders in the shaft in the engine bay?
when was the last time the slip yoke in the engine bay was greased/serviced?

It’s probably overdue. I’m not completely sure where to look for that component but I’ll do some research.

 

[Spino]

Feel it in the steering wheel? I had a clunk in the wheel was the steering shaft u joint. But also the spring bushing

I don’t feel it in the wheel. Just hear the noise.

 

[John Staton]

I have the same...I feel it in the steering wheel when turning left and when out going over really rough terrain. I am going to have it looked at when I have my tires rotated here soon, but not sure what to tell them to look for so following.

 

[dbleon]

You could possibly disconnect the tre’s and turn the wheel by hand to a heck for play in the knuckles?

My gues is spring bushings or tre’s are shot

 

[HemiAlex]

Can you feel the clunk like a knock back in your steering wheel?

 

[Spino]

Can you feel the clunk like a knock back in your steering wheel?

Nope don’t feel it at the wheel, just hear it.

 

[HemiAlex]

Try getting some spray-able red and tacky grease and spraying in between the leafs with the truck lifted.

 

[Spino]

Try getting some spray-able red and tacky grease and spraying in between the leafs with the truck lifted.

Thanks, seems like any easy thing to try. Any recommended brands?

 

[Dr. John]

Checked those shackle bushings yet??

 

[HemiAlex]

Thanks, seems like any easy thing to try. Any recommended brands?

Lucas makes a red and tacky spray now.

I would also inspect your shackles and leads. Sometimes the leafs flash rust together and when they twist a little to turn, they pop.

Also the military wrap on OME springs are known to come loose. They are little spring sliders in between the leafs that prevent rubbing and they break. These are all replaceable with parts from OME.

 

[jmcclusk]

the drag link ends have adjustment screws on the ends and cotter pin to keep it set, might be good to check on those for play

 

[Spino]

Checked those shackle bushings yet??

Not yet. Need to get over to a friend’s place. I don’t have jack stands but he does! What’s the general approach to checking the bushings? I have tried to grease them, but the bushings seemed to pop out of place a bit. So I suspect they are shot.