Steering components great shape, why the clunk?

Today I checked the tie rod ends, steering rack seems solid with no play or anything like that, all the little bolts connecting everything are tight.

The only thing that seems loose is the u-joint going from the steering rack to the intermediate shaft. Otherwise everything is great!

So what could it be? I mean the clunk is pretty noticeable and its not all the time when your turning...just seems like it would be the u-joint cause it clanks when the shaft rotates around that time. (if that makes sense)

Any tips in places to look, things to go after would be great! I can also post up a picture of the joint but I dont think I need to.

 

I hear it when I turn the steering wheel, stationary or in motion.

 

But wouldnt I be able to feel that by getting the tire on a swivel and turning the wheel? Normally doing that you can easily tell if there is a bad parts but its really tight and no play doing that.

How would I check that?

 

Maybe lower ball joint. Harder to shake, feel at a stop. I think I finally felt the first indications of mine going out the other day.

 

Please explain "harder to shake, feel at a stop"

 

Mine truck does the same but only if I turn the wheel and backing up I think it maybe the
u joints that is the cause

 

Its fine for the steering ujoints to be a little loose its just normal wear and tear and also its nice for the to be a little loose beacause it let's the steering flex little bit if its to tight it won't let it flex so that's when it breaks

 

What about starting/stopping? does it ever clunk then?

You'll need a helper, but get under the truck and have someone flip the steering wheel back and forth until you get the "clunk". Feel around on all the steering components (inner and outer tie rods), then your balljoints (lower and upper).

Might also be your control arm bushings or ball joints. I'm replacing my LCA bushings and lower ball joint this weekend for my clunk...