I need some help here guys. I noticed a click noise coming from the front drivers side in the last couple of days. Seemed to be suspension or steering related but not consistent ( sometimes going over a bump but sometimes not).

Anyway, stopped raining this morning so climbed under the front and started poking around. The drag link has play at both the pitman arm and the passengers side link (not sure what to call it - tie rod?). With the wheels on the ground, I can grab the drag link in the middle and twist it easily a 1/4" either direction. I can see significant movement in the grease fitting at either end. Should it be doing that? What needs to be replaced? Thanks for any advice.

 

The twisting action is normal as the joints rotate on the ends but there shouldn't be any slack in any of the rods laterally. I would get underneath it and observe while someone is turning the wheel slightly back and forth. The drag link is connected to the tie rods.

 

Unfortunately, it is just my three year old and I at home today and he can't turn the wheel .

I did some more poking around and noticed that the drivers side upper shock mount nut is loose. Attempting to tighten it, it snugs and then loosens. Somethings not right there. I put my finger on the backside of the shock mount and the stud isn't turning so either the threads are shot or the nut is stripped. I'll try to remove it later and take a look. Perhaps that is the source of the noise. Anyone know what size that nut is? I know it takes a 19mm socket.

There isn't any lateral play in the drag link that i can find.