Steering column "clunk" noise?

Replaced my steering rack bushings (finally!) and that seems to have fixed the issue.

 

Happen to have image(s) exactly what you replaced?

 

Glad that worked out for you. Did you go with Energy Suspension bushings, or something else?

I've got one last tie rod to replace, and the steering coupling boot, as mine wobbles like in the previously posted video.

 

This Energy set:

$69 ENERGY SUSPN Energy Suspension 8.10106G Rack & Pinnion Bushing Set

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6O61KY?ie=UTF8

 

I did a cab mount relocate this past weekend and now have a clunking noise. I can see that the retaining ring has slipped down and I have found the noise to be coming from the location in the photo provided. any tips on fixing this? Or will I need a new steering column?

 

Is the retaining ring loose? If not, can it be hit back into the proper location?

 

Yeah it’s loose and hanging down. I was reading that I will have to pry the shaft down a bit to expose the groove in which the clip sits then push the clip into position. Then for peace of mind I can use a hose clamp to keep it from coming down again.

 

Was just out looking at the clip and shaft and it appears the shaft is up in the column and I’ll have to find a way to bring it down so I can get the clip on. No sure how to pull it down more to expose the groove.

 

Copying and pasting my previous response since it explains how I brought it down, although in my case the retaining clip problem originated from a previous owner not seating one of the shaft/union in far enough which pushed the shaft up.

The rod/shaft coming down from the column should be at a fixed length due to the ring retainer clip, it sits on a small groove on the shaft. In order to get it there in the right place I removed the pinch bolt from the column shaft to intermediate shaft the end in the drivers footwell), slid the steering shaft up into the column enough to disengage it from the intermediate shaft and let the intermediate shaft u joint flop freely. You can then pull the shaft down out of the column by hand until you can see the groove and slide your clip up onto it (my new clip was pretty tough to get on but once it was on it was secure).

Upon reassembly was when I realized the bottom of my intermediate shaft needed to be seated further down (accessible from drivers side wheel well behind the inner rubber splash shield. I knew that because the bottom of the shaft coming down from the column would have been into the u joint by more than 1/2". I had to remove the pinch bolt for the bottom of the intermediate shaft, pry the clamp open with a flathead and then pry bar, and oil the heck out of it to get the splined shaft freed up and able to slide down another ~1/2". I dont have an exact measurement but I would estimate about 3/4" engagement, I just got it as far as I could.

Now, when reassembling the intermediate shaft to steering column shaft, make sure you get it inserted as far as possible (without the end of the shaft hitting the u joint) so that you dont have a lot of pressure "upwards" on the steering column shaft. If I remember right it will be a little canted but shouldn't feel like its binding. I found the easiest way to insert the column shaft into intermediate shaft coupler was to remove a 12 or 14mm head bolt that runs horizontal and holds the bottom of the steering column housing up. You should be able to see it if you lay on your back looking up. Removing this allowed the bottom of the column shaft to drop down a couple inches, gave room to slip the splined section together by putting the u joint at an angle, and then wiggled them while I straightened out the u joint to get the splined part fully into the intermediate shaft. Sorta like you would pull a driveshaft or axle if that makes sense. Then lift the column housing back up a couple inches and reinstall that bolt.

Hope this is still making sense, its just what I found easiest. Make sure to mark any of the splined sections before removal and maybe tie off your steering wheel so you don't mess up your alignment

 

This is perfect thank you for getting back to me!! I was able to get it back together!
Do you by chance know the torque specs for the steering column and the lower connection of the intermediate shaft?

 

I don't remember them off the top of my head I think I just did by feel

 

Copy that thank you for your help

 

Are you sure its not the new bushings making the noise? My poly bushings still make a little noise when flexing many years after the install. Other parts of the truck make worse noises, so not concerned.

 

Yeah it was the intermediate shaft slipping a quarter inch out of the lower bit and it was causing the rest to be way out of place

 

I too have a clunk in the front and have found this thread. I have not replaced any parts yet but i do have to describe one thing i have noticed first.

if i reach over the drivers fender into the engine compartment and grab the steering shaft up (which is technically forward and up since its at an angle) i hear a clunk everytime i pull on it. If i reach under the the dash and push on the shaft inside i can hear the same clunk just not as loud.

 

What mods have you done to the truck lately?

 

A year ago I did all 6 body mounts and shocks.

Clunk started about 6 months ago. I thought it was from my factory skid plate that bent but makes noise with plate off

it doesn’t make noise all the time. I notice that “sharp “ bumps. Like where they mill a spot on the road and try to patch it but it’s uneven. And then it won’t make the noise when I go over a large hump in road like at intersections on country roads where I’m getting a lot of suspension travel. Don’t know if those make aincey

 

Doesn’t your wheel/ steering column make noise? Like if you were to shake the wheel hard it would make a noise?

 

don’t mean if I shake it back and forth left to right?

or try to go up and down like I was tilting the column

 

I'm betting it's the steering rack bushings.