Front end popping noise

Recently I have had a bunch of things done to my truck due to off-road wear and tear, this all began with a popping noise coming the front end. I eventually had all 4 CV boots changed, both LT lower arms bushings changed out, my entire front differential changed out (it finally took a shit), and my passenger side front wheel bearing replaced. I noticed that the popping is still there and can finally pinpoint it to the steering rack (at least I think). It only pops when I turn while in park or going at low speeds forward or in reverse. There is no steering fluid leaking, no play in the wheel when I drive, and the tie rods are good to go having just been aligned and all checked out. the only thing I can think of at this point is either the steering rack bushings or the entire rack itself. any and all help would be much appreciated. I will post a video of the noise as soon as I get off work today.

 

Inspect your tie rods. I replaced mine and the popping stopped.

 

Did you have it aligned after all the suspension work.... check the lca bolt and make sure they are torqued properly.

 

I did a thorough check on the tie rods and they are pretty damn solid, both sides no play

 

Alignment was done after all that yes.

 

I'm assuming you changed the inners right

 

I would bet good money its the lower control arm cam bolts... mine I have to torque higher than factory spec otherwise they will pop... sometimes when turning, backing up or going over bumps. I think the factory torque is around 85ftlb i have to go around 100ftlb. I only had to start doing this after my lift.

 

Sounds like the noise I'm having. I'll be replacing my lower control arms (Toyota) and installing new Energy Suspension bushings.

 

What did you torque them to? I know factory is 155, correct me if I'm wrong

 

Factory is 100 ft. lbs.

 

100! Thanks buddy

 

My trucks also developed a metal on metal sounding clunk at low speed bumps with the wheels turned. Everyone I've talked to has a different idea, and when I searched on here every thread I found ended with no solution.

 

I couldn't agree with you more when it comes to small stuff like this, but every now and then you do get a suggestion that does work. I'm just trying to find the simplest solution first.

 

I believe the LCA bolts need to be tightened when the truck is on the ground and not on a lift. 100 foot pound's is the correct torque. Before tightening bounce the front end up and down. On mine I bounced the truck on the shallow ditch in front of my driveway as I can't budge it otherwise. I had marked all the cam washers first and none moved after bouncing.
I just got rid of all my front noise by replacing sway bar bushings, links, tie rods (all) and lower ball joints. Probably not the answer you want but worked for me.

 

It's really helpful if you have access to an alignment rack.

 

Mine started after running a ton of trails that were super tight and required a lot of 3pt turns to squeeze between trees. I'm wondering if its CV related. Pretty sure my needle bearing decided to start to fail that day too as I have a vibration now as well. Going to be getting that swapped for the ECGS bushing and hoping something jumps out at the same time that might be the clunk.

 

Bushings are brand new, tie rods and Uniballs are all good to go. Going to try tightening the Lowers and see what happens this evening. Thanks for the response and input

 

I checked the CVs when I was changing the boots and they are also good to go. At this point I'm just over it you know what I mean

 

Yep, I have a bunch of stuff I need to take care of on my truck. I'm planning on cruising from MA to Arizona for Expo West next spring and then doing a little lap of the country on my way home so I'd like the truck to be 100% by then.

 

Make sure you torque the correct nut/bolt.