davegus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5bXU3Gb0nA And I get a little vibration/rub feedback in the steering wheel. I can't figure out what it might be.

kjeeper10

Any vibe with it or just a noise? Sounds like something is loose.

resharp001

Agree, it sounds like something loose. I like to start diagnosing by seeing if I can duplicate the sound while stationary in the drive. If you can, have someone turning the wheel back and forth while you inspect. It's so much easier to figure out than when in motion. If you can't duplicate it while stationary, then at least it helps eliminate some common culprits.

It's kinda hard to tell where the noising is coming from. There's enough pressure on the steering system that just turning lock to lock will force movement in a joint or loose bolt. Next suspicion would be something in the suspension, and if not that, then a random part loose and rattling.

As Keeper asked.....any "feelings" to go along with it, or just the noise?

davegus

Yes, when the noise occurs, I get some feedback in the steering wheel. It's a little hard to describe - something like a rub / vibration / resistance. As I'm turning left, the steering wheel gives a very minor push back to the right when the noise happens. We thought maybe the axle bearings and rebuilt both sides - no change. My gut feeling was something with the driver-side wheel, but I can't see / find anything.

So far, I can only reproduce it while driving. With the front end off the ground, I can spin and turn the wheel by hand with no issues - I don't feel any vibration or anything loose. So, could it be power steering issues? I mainly shot the video at the upper steering components above the drag link (pitman arm, steering shaft). I was hoping to see some odd movement coinciding with the noise, but I saw nothing.

I do have some issues with my control arm bushings wearing out - I get some pretty strong clunks when starting from a stop, and especially when changing directions - forward to reverse / vice versa. It's a stick BTW. But still for the vibration/push back to travel all the way up to the steering wheel to the point where I feel a slight resistance, I wouldn't think it's the control arms - more likely drag link/track bar/tie rod area - something that's directly connected back to the steering wheel.

I appreciate your responses.

kjeeper10

Check the brake shield. My drivers side was bent slightly and rubbed turning.

jtphoto JK

Sounds like rotor backing plate rubbing on the rotor.. Also check your wheel bearings. If they are worn and sloppy, you will get vibes and enough play in the rotor to hit the backing plate when cornering..