So i was almost to my offroad destination this past weekend when i had to turn around in a cul-de-sac. I turned hard left and as i circled, I got a popping sound.. (just a couple time, not consistant).

I looked under there and my c clips are all there, nothing looks wrong with the hub. The only thing that looked wrong was the boot on the rod that connects to my power steering box. The boot was torn and grease was coming out/exposed.

Does anyone have an idea? Could the power steering gear box cause that noise? what about the rod b/c of the boot?

BTW... what is that rod called for future reference?

thanks all!

 

Were you in 4H or 4L turning on a non loose surface?

 

negative... i should have included that... 2wd on smooth pavement

 

bump for help before i break something i cant afford to replace

 

what rod are you referring to? The intermediate steering shaft?

 

if that is what connects to the pitman arm then yes... the boot at the pitman arm is torn and drying out... i didn't know if that could cause the noise. It hasn't happened again...yet I want to know if the 3" lift in the front is causing too steep an angle for the intermediate steering shaft.

Would a trackbar bracket up front help line up all my steering geometry?


i have the woods relo and a rancho HD SS. It looks to be fine

 

If the CV Boot is torn and you get dirt in there, you will get the popping/clicking sound...The dirt/water/whatever else gets in there will deteriorate the CV joint requiring replacement...

 

where is this boot? On my stock setup there is no boot on anything that attaches to the pitman arm.

 

okay... it may not be a boot per se... but there is a rubber piece that is filled with grease that connect at the top of the bar where it meets the pitman arm... i will take some photos tonight.

it looks alot like the top of the front sway bar link... it allows movement

 

thanks!!! I will check that... i removed it recently to install my OME 3" HDs... i torqued it back to the 120ftlb spec, but perhaps a bit of locktite would be effective. I will report back soon!