My 2001 Expy 4x4 has been making an occassional popping noise most often when turning and backing out of a parking space.

I've searched the forums and have gotten together Moog lower ball joints [$46 ea], Harbor Freight ball joint press kit [$39], their front end press kit [$69] and all the ordinary tools, stands and jacks.

Now I'm wondering if the CV joint in the axle could be bad making the noise.

Thoughts?

 

Check the Pittman Arm, that's what went bad on my 97

 

Cbradford,

What did your bad Pitman arm sound like???

 

Started with popping then added squeaking, found by lying underneath and having the wife turning with truck running. Make sure you are in good standing with the wife!

 

Thank you.

 

**LOL**

 

It could also be the mounting link bolts for the ends of your front sway bar. Mine broke due to severe rust, very common on the OEM links. The plastic cover on the link bolt doesn't keep the water out so they disintegrate. Check those and see if they are corroded. One of mine made the same noise cause when it broke, it just flopped back and forth across the a-arm and sway bar during turns. Easy enough to replace in the driveway/garage, just get a set of Moogs or some other quality link kit with good quality bushings.