Possible steering rack problem?

Recently I've developed a pretty audible "thunk" when driving. At first it only happened when I was at full lock and returning to the center, but now it also sporadically happens whenever I turn in general. not 100% of the time - I'd say closer to 60-70%, but still pretty annoying.

It thunks and sounds like a joint popping and I can feel it through the pedals, but doesn't affect the steering at all. I haven't had the time to jack up the truck and check the tie-rods, but it sounds and feels like it coming from further towards the center of the vehicle.

Anyone know what else to check? Could it potentially be a bad steering rack? I have an extended warranty so it should be covered, just want to get an idea of what all is going on beforehand. 2013 DC with ~53K miles.

 

Mine makes a thunk or odd noise when at full lock turning if the roads bumping or changing but that's the stocks for the rack an pinion rubbing. I don't think that is the same thing your talking about tho.

 

no mine is just when I turn the wheel in general now. It'll thunk as soon as I start to turn in, and then thunk again when I either hit full lock or return back to straight on. It doesn't affect driving at all, and from what I can tell isn't anything overly serious, just a little annoying.

I looked around during my lunch break and the CVs look fine, no play in the tie rods (with the wheel on the ground.. need to jack it up and check again), sway bar doesn't appear to be contacting anything, all bolts are tight on the shock/tophat/LBJ knuckle.. I'm thinking either steering rack, tie rod, or maybe the fact that I forgot to grease my propeller shaft at 30k miles, but I have no other ideas.

 

Ever had your diffs serviced?

 

Like gear oil change?

Rear has, front and Tcase have not I know I need to.. I didn't have time for a few weeks and then the weather turned shitty. This past fall was super busy so i didn't even get to my 30k maintenance until closer to 37k miles.

 

Check the bushings for the steering rack....they go away pretty often...replace with poly bushings helps. Prety common issue on Tacos and Tundras. Might not be your issue, but worth the check. Get someone to cycle the steering and watch to see if the rack moves.

 

Hadn't thought of the bushings. I was thinking bearings or something. I'll give them a look later!

 

Probably ought to get the t case, front diff, and transmission serviced very soon.

 

Why the tranny I thought it got serviced every 60k

 

I did mine at 36k smooth as butter now. I'm all about that preventative maintenance bruh