lexluthier72

Keep an eye on that aftermarket valve cover. They are notorious for warping/leaking. IF/when it does, find a VC off a 94 wrangler (metal) and replace the valve cover. Good looking start! -Erin

In an attempt to find a Clunk in my steering, I replaced the worn out Drag Link End....

I had my rear pinion seal, and rear U-joint replaced by a shop this week. I know, "its a D35" but I don't plan to beat the crap out of it. After hearing many people replacing the pinion seal themselves, and having the rear gear cluster crap out, I decided to have the Pro's do it. The gears and bearings are in good shape, and it was cheaper than an axle swap. I got under it the week before to replace an exhaust clamp. Had to heat the clamp up with a Mapp torch to get it off. Mistakenly put the hot wrench down next to my shoulder. I now have a temporary "craftsman" brand. (no photos) But here is the PO attempt at an aftermarket exhaust....I decided to just replace the clamp, and see how long it held on for.

Hey Guys, I had the rear pinion seal done today. Yes it was more than the original quote, but they also replaced the rear U-joint which had failed, causing the pinion leak. He said as I was leaving....keep an eye on it, and it should go another 140,000 miles, that the innards looked good. -E. now back to my steering problem.... :fs1:

Hey....I think I know exactly what it is now. Its at the end of the shaft right at the steering box connection. I'll check it out. I had the truck in today to get my rear pinion seal done, and without looking at it, the first thing the mechanic said was "track bar" so, I guess I should replace it (they are pretty trustworthy...one of the last places)

Hey All, Anyone close to Mpls MN got a topper they want to unload for cheep to free. I need before winter, and am extremely short on funds. -Erin

will do. Currently having trouble getting my mechanic buddy over to crawl underneath. I also found my pass side hub is slightly loose. -E. p.s.- I'm still interested in answers as to why I can only hear the clunk inside the cab at the steering wheel....as in, should I be looking at the inside steering column?

Hey Guys...still not fixed. :fs1: See my other thread "intermittent steering creak" I'm slightly stumped. -E.

As I watched the track bar moving while turning the wheel, I felt the top of the nut/threaded stem, and it was not moving at all, (if it was, would indicate the track bar mounting hole being out of round) the only play was in the "ball joint" at the end of the track bar. I'm really stumped on this one, as I can't really hear it outside the cab, but the noise is prevallent inside the cab, at the steering wheel. I have posted another thread about this, and I'm still stumped, and do not want to keep throwing money at it, as I'm not positive thats the issue. -E.

Thats where I'm stumped. I do NOT feel it in the floorboards or foot pedals. I can hear it in the steering column, but not feel it in the column. I can't hear it outside/underneath, and the only thing that seemed to have any "clunk" in it underneath was the track bar. I'm not familiar with the steering shaft collar, is that the collar that goes through the firewall? I'm really not wanting to just continue to throw money at worn parts if they are not completely defective....I'll look into the steering shaft. Thanks for the input guys. :hmm: -E. Edit: The sound is most prevallent just behind the steering wheel inside the cab....and I cannot reproduce the sound with the engine off. It seems like its only at low speed, and on the outer limits of turning the steering wheel, mostly toward the drivers side. Id hate to replace the track bar, which may well be worn, and have it not be the issue.....

bump....any thoughts on this before I make my next purchase a track bar?

Hey Guys....Truck is off to the shop to get the pinion seal done. I let them know that I want only the seal replaced, and the yolk shaft cleaned up, that if there is anything else wrong with the axle, I'll drive it till it breaks and replace it with a D44. After it comes back, I back to chasing a steering clunk problem, which I so far suspect the track bar.... -E.

Hey Guys....OK...wife in the drivers seat again. I can only get it to clunk when the engine is running and tires on the ground. (the wheel will not turn enough with engine off to make it clunk) I put on gloves, and physically grabbed each ball joint, Tie rod end, track bar ends, steering box....and the only click/clunk I could actually FEEL was coming from the drivers side track bar mount.....This is the only problem I could detect by feel. The nut/bolt on top was not moving but you could feel it click when the wheel turned. I guess I'm picking up a track bar soon. (as soon as funds allow.) Thanks to Eagle for the tips on how to do it. -E. p.s.- Why does the "ball end" of the track bar not have a grease fitting on it?!?! EDIT: Why can I only feel the "clunk" at the track bar end, but the noise is pronounced at the steering wheel (the only place I can actually hear it)??? (my very first thought was the steering column, but its not loose inside the cab....)

Have helper coming soon :thumbsup:

OK, I managed to get it changed out!!! Whoo Hoo! (there are days I understand why mechanics get paid to beat their bodies up) Anyway....It is noticeably better, but there is still a slight clunking noise. It was hard to tell if the pitman arm hole is out of round, but the new DLE snugged up nice and tight. I did not see any other problems, and from a visual of turning the wheels, there is not much "slop" in the steering box? Is there a better way to check the outer tie rod ends than the classic wheel wiggle? -E. p.s.- I at least FEEL safer going down the road. :D Edit: I will re-check the track bar as soon as I get a helper....

^^^I got the very same response, and at O'Reilly's the guy didn't have a clue what I was talking about.... :fs1: Edit: Hey Mods, is there a way to delete this thread or merge it with my other thread?

"TRE pulled" Slightly confused....? Good to know about steering wheel center! (mine is off)

Apparently at the parts store they call it an "inner tie rod end" Half of em didn't have a clue. I'm going to pick it up shortly, so I will know whether or not they got it right. I know the difference tho. -E.

Found it. Inner tie rod end on the pitman arm. Popping in and out. Had my wife get in and crank on the wheel.... :D

will do. Edit: Guy at O'Reilly's had no clue. Ordered one from Napa...(they knew exactly what it was) Is it just me, or is the help getting stupider?

Hey Guys, I crawled under it this AM. Wife at the wheel (she's a strong girl) and had her crank the wheel. The tie rod at the end of the pitman arm that connects to the tie rod you can physically see popping up and down, and making faint clunk. -E.

Thanks Flint...I'll take another look....When I checked, it, the truck was on the ground.

Hey guys...my offending creak has turned into a CLUNK. I tightened up the steering box (top bolt was loose) spacer is there, and in good shape. NO CHANGE!!! Grr! I also did a chassis lube to everything I could see with a grease fitting. NO CHANGE! I did the classic wheel check, and nothing seems oddly loose, and I could not make anything "clunk" When I'm inside with the truck running If I make hard turns I can hear it clunk inside the cab. It almost feels like its in the steering column, even though I know things can radiate. I am officially stumped. I am done for the night. Any suggestions on what next would be great. -Erin Edit: I also posted a specific thread on the problem I'm having.....

Grr...Gah!!! I spoke too soon....The creak has turned into a "clunk" I tightened up the steering box (top bolt was loose) and no change. I did a chassis lube to everything I could find with a grease fitting on the front end, no change. I am officially stumped. When I'm in the truck with it running, if I make a hard left you can hear it clunk inside the cab, and feel it in the steering wheel....Where else to look?!? I give up for the night. -E.

I believe I have found the offending part. The steering box bolts are loose. I now have to figure out how to get to them without tearing everything apart. -E.