Orange County CAF's: up to no good

haha nope, but I'll have to watch that tonight

 

It's how I found that sauce

 

Asking here since this is probably the most active thread with actual knowledgable member:

Anyone know how to tell if a steering rack is going bad? I have a noise I'm trying to diagnose and am really hoping it's not the rack. 2015 with 57k miles on it- could it be covered under warranty if so?.

 

Which is why I'm concerned. There's a bit of an almost grinding type noise while rolling - only noticeable at slow speeds. Also a clunk when turning the wheels left to right in short strokes. Almost like something is unloading and/or making contact in either direction. Visually, everything looks tip-top. No leaks, no tears in the boots, no rust/damage. Cant figure it out. Just did a complete rebuild on my suspension so everything is pretty much brand new up front. Rechecked torque on every fastener that I touched and got 2 alignments 2 weeks apart after install thinking that might cure the symptom.

 

The steering is a little stiff but I just replaced the uniballs. I even though that one of the uniballs might have been fucked but that wouldn't explain the rolling resistance.

 

You check the tie rods? I've had them seize up on my even when the boots where good.

What's the last change you made to the front end?

 

Complete rebuild which is kind of why I'm at a loss because everything's been touched. Rebuilt coilovers with new coils (14"/700lbs), TC Cam tab gussets, rebuild UCAs (bushings, uniballs), removed swaybar. I've checked and recheck torque on all fasteners. Aside from getting the alignment, I didn't touch the tie rods. A quick touch o' the wrench and they felt snug but I trust my alignment shop so I didn't check full torque or put too much effort into it.

Another possibility:
Is there any way for the CV to pull out of the front diff accidentally enough to cause the noise? When I was changing the UCA, I dropped the spindle (which I left unsupported-rookie move) and noticed that the CV boots were at a severe angle. Everything buttoned back up no problem and looked fine after install so I didn't think about it furhter. 4H still engages fine but does not affect the noise at all.
So if it can pull out, can it be pushed back in?

 

Thanks. Still gotta figure this damn noise out. Just hoping it’s not an announcement of catastrophic failure on its way.

 

I know this maybe a stupid thought, but did you check out your front brakes? Not tooooo sure about a 2nd Gen, but look at the brake pads and how they are secured as well as the whole brake assy itself. Maybe check out the steering knuckle as well?

 

Brakes are fine. It’s definitely a rolling noise.

I’ll probably disassemble and reasses and reinstall this weekend. I’ve isolated it so far to the passenger side.

 

Okay.

I only say the brakes because on the 1st Gen there is a retainer "spring" sorta deal. Also, I've never had a "hung caliper", but was wondering if that was a possible cause? If it's a rolling/grinding I was just figuring possibly a brake assy issue somehow?

Hope you figure it out brotha!!!

 

Wheel bearing would be high on my list, I would suggest on removing the wheel and rotor in order to rotate the hub assembly by hand..

 

Thanks. I’ll take a look this weekend. Got another alignment yesterday and it seemed to cure the noise but I’ll still take a look just in case something else is going on.

 

Man I've always liked Terry Crews, seeing something like this just makes my day!

I've gotten weird stuff like this from tierods pulling in and out of the rack.. also, every now and then my CVs will start clunking and popping and making noises at me but it disappears quickly enough and then doesn't come back for ages.

Checking brake dust covers is a good suggestion, although that would be more of a screech or rattly whine.

I once had a brake caliper bolt back out and the caliper was dangling off a single bolt, only took a couple of times using the brake to figure those noises out! *VEEEEER to the riiiightt!!!!*

 

Thanks for the feedback! My best guess is more along the lines of the tie rods so I'll continue my search there. Got another alignment last night (which included reclocking the steering wheel) and it seemed to cure the noise. I have it narrowed down to the passenger's side so I'll be going over it again this weekend.
Brakes are fine and it's not the dust cover (different noise).

 

Good to see ya!
Glad I could help out

 

soon to be....

We're driving to the dealership to drop off my Mom's 3rd gen so they can figure out why the transfer case is leaking... So obviously we are walking to a mex joint to grab tacos then we'll go to a brewpub amd kill a fees hours until they call about the truck!

 

Mmmm beer.....

 

I could go for a beer right about now. Off site working so I’m stuck with water

 

FIFY