Front Driver Side Suspension Noise

[fxstb2005]

I have a 1998 Z-71. I just bought it a couple weeks ago and am kinda going through the truck. One thing I can't figure out is a noise I have on the front end. It's kind of a metal on metal contact, but it only occurs when I am turning to the left and hit a bump at the same time. I have completely gone over the entire suspension. I noticed the inner cv joint on that side is throwing grease, so I will be replacing the boot. Could that joint also be the cause of the noise. It's driving me crazy.... Thanks.

[79403ta]

i would start by replacing the boot if it throws all of the grease it will make a noise like that if nothing else seems out of place i would bet this is it

[mbumgua]

Lower or upper ball joint probably bad--Will make a metallic clunk when hitting a bump--probably lower--I have replaced both sides on my 88 twice.

[gtmud]

Also look at your hub bearing assembly on that side. If its bad you will definatly hear a growling sound (metal on metal) How is the steering? Loose at all?

[fxstb2005]

The steering is fine. Seems tight and no slop at all. I think I'll try the replacing the ball joint and cv joint. I called the parts shop and asked about a cv joint, and they said they have half shafts. Is that the cv joint and axle shaft? Just wondering.

[mbumgua]

Half shaft is the axle shaft from where it bolts to the differential to the wheel hub including the cv joint. One for each side. Generally makes noise on sharp turns if bad. Usually a clicking noise, not a clank.

[profox02]

I had the same thing on my '94 z71...and I greased up the ball joints and the problem went away ....but Im still going to replace the ball joints this weekend....

[chevrock22]

Originally Posted by profox02

I had the same thing on my '94 z71...and I greased up the ball joints and the problem went away ....but Im still going to replace the ball joints this weekend....

Lift the tire in the air with a jack. Then grab it, and try to move it around. Also, does your ABS kick in once in a while for no reason?

[profox02]

Yeah Dats How I Knew It Was Da Ball Joints,..and No The Abs Didn't Kick In Every Once In A While.......

[fxstb2005]

I was going to replace the ball joints today, but got the wrong joints at the store. I know the upper joint you can just drill the factory rivets out and drop the new ball joint in with bolts and tighten it up. According to my Haynes manual you should be able to do the same thing with the lower ball joint, but that's not the case. The lower ball joint is a press fitting. Am I correct? To replace this one, I would have to pull the A-arm completely out and press the old one out and press the new one in. Is this right? I was looking at it this morning, and thats the only way I can see it coming out and a new one going in. There are no rivets holding the lower one in. zWhen I go to pull the A-arm off, what happens with the torsion bars?

[cbongo247]

there are a couple of ways to replace the lowers. you can remove the t-bars but that may be a pain because they probably are rust-seized into the lower control arm. unless you have a torch and a BIG hammer your not getting them out. if you do have the tools though, i would reccomend doing it that way. if not you can just drill through the pressed rivets and then tap them out, still a tedios task that takes patients. other clanks could be your wheel bearing! please check these, i have seen them come apart many times, your fenders wont like it nor will your rotors, spindles and anything else up front. just lift the front tire up and if you can move your tire (top to bottom) its probly your bearing. easy to fix for the most part. 120.00 bucks at auto zone.