When I make a left turn I sometimes hear a low popping sound coming from the front end. It doesn't happen all of the time, mostly while turning and driving over a small dip (pulling into a driveway or parking lot). I haven't heard it lately, but I know that it isn't normal. I suspect the ball joints, but I'm not really sure. Is there any way to tell if they are bad by looking at them? If anyone has some suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks a lot.

 

any suggestions?

 

Sorry for the late response, I havn't been on in a while. First check your sway bar links, you can pick up the link kits for about $30 here in Calgary, should be cheap where you are. It takes about 5 minutes to change them out, especially if you have an impact, no need to take off any tires or anything either.

If that doesn't fix it, you can jack up the front end underneath thelowerballjoint and do a front-end check, pulling out on the top of tire, lower of the tire, then a slight movement side to side. If there is any abnormal movement or it feels loose in any of those spots, you'll be needing new front end parts. Top of the tire movement normally means upper balljoints; bottom end of tire lower balljoint; and side to side will outer and/or inner tie rod end and/or idler arm. Best to have someone looking underneath the vehicle while someone pulls onthe tire to see where the movement is coming from.

Also check your shocks; if they're leaking fluid they should be changed out, and more importantly check your bushings connecting your shocks to the body, if those are gone (even a good amount of cracking) they may be causing your pop.

If you change any of these you'll need an alignment as well - sorry if you knew that already.

-Eric

...I'm getting the same noise on mine right now and just changed out the link kits, which didnt help;looks like it'll be my shocks that are screwed though... possibly time for a lift kit

 

Hey thanks a lot Eric. It hasn't done it in a while but I will definitely check those thing out.

 

Excellent suggestions from Sorell. The only other thing that I would add would be the possibility of a worn CV joint on the front axle.
(On a 4WD) Often indicated by a torn CV boot that has lost all it's grease.