Heavy clunk - where to look

[mikkelstuff]

2002 4WD Ranger XLT, 158,000 miles, occasionally emits a heavy clunking sound from under the front end at very slow speed when braking. This happens most often when hitting the brakes while backing out of a parking spot, especially if the front wheels are locked to one side or the other.

I did check and the brake calipers are all secured and in place. I replaced the ball joints, Moog units, just 20,000 miles back.

I assume something is loose. This has a torsion bar front suspension. So where do I look?

 

[Curious Hound]

I have the same or something very similar. I’ve been assuming that I need to snug up the nuts on my radius arms. But haven’t really investigated it properly.

 

[superj]

Drivesahft? Play at ine end? Since you are backing out and braking, maybe?

 

[Rick W]

Warn King pin? Do these things even have king pins?

 

[Uncle Gump]

No king pins.

Whenever I hear something like this... I try to apply light brake pressure on the pedal. If it stops with that pressure... it's likely something to do with brake calipers... pads or brake hardware.

If it continues... try turning the steering wheel slightly and see if it goes away or gets worse.

If you just did a rebuild on the front end... double check torque on the major components.

The finally... inspect all your new parts. Cheap parts wear and could already be worn out.

 

[Rick W]

One trick I learned for checking front end hardware: jack it all up off the ground, and then I use a small pipe wrench to try to twist this or that. Mostly using is a lever to push things forward or back plates, not actually “twisting them“ longitudinally. You could get motion out of things that you could never move with your hand.

 

[Uncle Gump]

One trick I learned for checking front end hardware: jacket it all up off the ground, and I use a small pipe wrench to try to twist this or that. Mostly using is a lever to push things forward or back plates, not actually “twisting them“ longitudinally. You could get motion out of things that you could never move with your hand.

I use a giant pair of channel locks too. I guess with both these methods... you have to use your brain too. Giant channel locks and pipe wrenchs can damage things with too much effort applied.

I also like leaving the vehicle on the ground. Have someone in the vehicle turn the wheel back and fourth while you watch the suspension and steering components.