01 Ranger popping noise while steering slow speeds

[KMPrenger]

Hello everyone! New here and hoping you guys can help.

I've tried doing some research on this issue here and on other sites but not coming up with a positive answer, and although I think I might know the issue I wanted to get your guys take.

My 01 Ranger makes an annoying popping noise only when driving slow speeds and sometimes when hitting bumps at low speeds (parking lot speeds and such). It also only does this in the warm months of the year...during the cold months it doesn't make the noise. I know this b/c the truck has been making a similar noise the past few summers, but not in the winter.

Here is a link to a very quick video I made of the noise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvFuY-KUbmE

It does make the noise when turning both directions, although in this video you really only hear it very well when I turn the wheel right, but you can hear a faint growling when I go back left.

When I popped the hood I saw the boot for the intermediate shaft is busted (picture below). Could this be from the intermediate shaft, or does the entire rack need to be replaced? Or could it be something else entirely?

Thanks

 

[Hooligan2c]

Looks like the boot ripped and ya lost all the grease in there!!

 

[KMPrenger]

Looks that way...so I'm definitely going to have to replace that. Would that cause the popping?

 

[Earl43P]

Try tightening the pinch bolt on the joint where the steering shaft attaches to the rack spline.

 

[RangahDanga]

if your sway bar links or sway bar bushings are shot they'll bind at slower speeds and pop in either direction. Mine did, replaced it with blue MOOG bushings and MOOG links and haven't had the problem since. MOOG has lifetime warranty, so if they do it again its free to replace. If you do a lot of off road driving they take a beating and wear out quick, mine wear out and start popping in about 8-10 months. see the blue MOOG bushings below... hope it helps.