hello to all. I searched and read a few threads about clunks, but I still have to run this by some people...
My buddies 2000 F-250 4x4 has a clunk that repeats over and over again when turning right as well as when turning left. I would think that a bad tie-rod end or steering linkage could cause a single clunk but if it repeats over and over again I though it must be either the axle u-joint(s) or the hub. It turns out that the u-joint in the axle is not replaceable and it doesn't even have a grease fitting. Any ideas- could it be a rod end? By-the-way the truck has 293,000 miles on it and there is no play up-and-down at the knuckle. Thanks in advance.

 

please, anyone?

 

Sounds to me like the u joints are dry and seized. They are replaceable but you have to tear the whole front end apart to do it. I just did mine when I did the ball joints and one u joint was totally frozen. I had similar symptoms before I did the overhaul.

 

Is the 4X4 electronic shift on the fly (ESOF)? If so he might still be in 4WD even if the switch is set to 2WD.

 

Does it only do this when the wheel is turned fully to the right or left?

 

If the front axles are turning (hubs not unlocking) it is a normal sound caused by the axle joints. He just needs to repair the hubs so they will disengage.

 

Yep, hups are not unlocking. My 99 f-250 had the same issue. If your hubs are hard to turn, you could dissassemble an clean them, but I'm here to tell you they won't last long. I ended up replacing 1 of the hubs. that took care of it.

 

Mine did this and it was the front left hub assembly.

 

Mine makes a similar noise, with 120k. the hubs are unlocked-so im thinking u-joints. I will also note that the sway bar bushings have about 1/16th of noticable play, so when I replace them i'll let you know if it helps.

 

Had basically that same noise in the front of my truck, and I found out that it was the sway bar. Check the sway bar bolts, and don't be afraid to tighten them up. They can take a lot. I thought it was the hubs, but it was a sway bars. Hope this helps