[jjrho]

hi, have a 01 yukon XL with 80K, so calif driving, rarely off road. 4 wheel drive.
lately, we've noticed a 'thunking' noise, when we turn, esp. to the right, coming from the left front, i think... truck drives fine o/w, but makes that noise, from what i can tell, more on turing to the Right,...
is it some bushings going dry? suspension component failing?
want to get some differential diagnosis, before i take it to the stealer or local shop....

jim R
[email protected]

 

[ChevyFan]

Do you only hear the noise when you're turning? Does it sound like it is in sync with the wheel turning around. Like Clunk, Clunk, Clunk, etc.?

 

[Burbski]

A friend of mine had a strange noise in the front end of his 2001 HD. When the steering was locked ( turned all the way right or left ) and the suspension flexed, you could hear a clunk. We put it up on a lift and we saw a small rub mark on th A arm. We put a little grease on the rub mark, problem solved.

 

[ChevyFan]

Yeah, something like that came to mind actually. Give it all a good lube and see if that makes it go away. Of course this is if the clunk it related to turning of the steering wheel and the linkage and arms to the wheels. It's something else if the clunk is related to the rotation of the wheel, which I experienced in the past with an old GMC before where the tie rod was letting one of the wheels rotate too much in when turning one direction.

 

[jjrho]

well, it seems to happen only when i'm turning, esp so far to the right turn, wheel turned, going over a dip on the street junction, typical of in so.calif....it happens once and it's gone....i.e., not related to wheel turning... happens once then won't again until it's gone straight and has to make another right turn; straight level right turn won't make the noise, and so far, i don't think i've heard it on Left turn.....

jim R

 

[Truckernate]

Noise from front

It would'nt hurt to check your ball joints and tie rods for any amount of play but remember to test them while under load. To test the ball joints jack up the truck put a block under the lower control arm and let the weight of the truck down onto the the block, then takingthe top with one hand and the bottom with the other rock the tire top to bottom to see if their is any play in the ball joints you should be able to move the tire a little but too much could mean bad joints. To check your steering components move the the tire in a left to right motion not turning the tire but just to see how much play you have or if you might hear your sound but it could be a worn cv joint have fun hope this might help.

 

[udderchaos]

RE: Noise from front

I know this is a little late. Did you find out what the noise was.??? My96 dually had a clunk that the dealer couldn't simulate. The saleman took it for a drive, and it did it with him. The upper control arm was coming loose.