Clunking sound from front end while slow manuevering

[HighTechRedneck]

I've noticed lately as I manuever around slowly, an occaisional really solid "clunk" sound from the front end.  Most often during turns (but not every turn) or occaisionally even when going straight if simply on irregular ground.  To me the sound brings to mind linkages passing through a binding spot in their travel.  But it doesn't cause any unusual "feel" through the steering during turns and even when it "clunks" it isn't accompanied by any sensation through the steering wheel.  I still have full range of movement on the steering and it is still "tight" (only about 1/4" of play in the steering wheel).

I looked around with it blocked up and don't see any visible damage and found no noticeably loose linkages.  The rubber of the stabilizer bar link bushings are showing some age cracking.  But they don't look "bad" enough to cause problems in my opinion (based solely on automotive experience).  I do need new front shocks and will be installing those next week.  But I can't imagine this "heavy" of a sound coming from shocks.  I found severe cupping on the front DS tire but given the poor condition of the shock, attributed the cupping to the shock.  There is no play in the wheel bearings.

This is on a '82 GMC RTS II.  It has rolling lobe air bags and integral power steering.

Any ideas on what you would look for and how you would check it?  Are the stabilizer bar link bushings a major candidate for those symptoms?

[Lin]

I must say, I know nothing about this.  Did you have it jacked up when you investigated the noise?  I would guess that it would need to be off the ground to locate an intermittent front end issue.  You might need a competent alignment shop or other such expert to diagnose it.

[Diesel_Gypsy]

I would suspect worn king pins.

Jack up one front wheel and use a bar to pry the wheel in and out. There should be no movement. Then try the other side.

Good luck. . .
Jim

[NewbeeMC9]

If your getting cupping you may want to check the bearing while your at it.


My clunking ended up coming from the rubber missing from my leveling valve linkage.  It made racket sometimes and also had my ride height off.  It rides much better after being fixed.

just my half a penny

[gumpy]

Check your spare tire carrier. I had a similar sound, and finally figured out it was the rack in the spare tire compartment that had about an inch of movement. When I hit the brakes, it went forward. Clunk!  When I sped up, it went backward. Clunk! It was just barely hitting on the frame.

craig

[akroyaleagle]

When I had this problem, the bolts were loose on the steering box.

[zubzub]

Same as gumpy.  Sometimes it help to KISS.  I have also thought I had suspension problems and it was an unsecured object in a compartment

[Runcutter]

On GM's, my first thought goes to radius rod bushings.

Arthur

[JohnEd]

AKROYALEAGLE,

Thanks, Joe for that ominous comment about the steering box being loose.   That should probably put Lin 'round the bend given his Rattle Snake and (new found)battery obsessions.   Lin, you got your ears up?   Just take deep breaths, Partner.

Jim the Gypsie took my idea right out of my mouth.  I have had kings with very little apparent play make a lot of noise.

John

[Dallas]

Mike,

Tighten up the bus bolt and all will be well.

[Lin]

Yeah John,

It's getting to look like I'll never see 20.

[NewbeeMC9]

Maybe you need to reboot it


jus kidden,  curious to what it might be though.