front end popping noise, AC quits when accelerating

[Charlie Busby]

I have 2 problems with my 96 dakota 4x4, 3.9. 1-a popping noise when turning steering wheel. no shakes, or unusal tire wear, noise is pretty loud.
2- The AC works fine until I accelerate then the blower stops blowing out of the vents and blows warm air from under the dash. Had the same problem some years back, dodge repaired but would not say what the problem was. Thanks for any help. cb

[rhandwor]

Have somebody turn the steering wheel while you take a flashlight and look closely at the front end parts. Block the wheels as you need to lay on the ground and watch. Open the hood and watch for worn parts.
Normally a rotary vacuum valve is used to open dampers. Check for vacuum leaks. The vacuum drops when you accelerate.

[winterover]

don't know about the AC... but the popping noise is probably coming from your CV joints. I had the same thing on a truck I use to own.

[Charlie Busby]

Thanks for your suggestion, I could not get the popping to happen with someone turning the steering wheel. Seems to happen most when backing out or pulling into driveway. All joints looked good. The AC problem, I checked all vac lines and found no problems, my wife found the repair order dated 11-96 where dodge fixed the same problem, it reads... INSTAL AUX VAC. CHECK VALVE INSTAL AN INLINE VACUME CHECK VALVE BETWEEN FEED LINE AND VAC TANK. I don't know where any of that stuff is, in dash or under hood? Thanks

[Charlie Busby]

Thanks for the idea about the CV joints. Anyway to check if they are ok?

[rhandwor]

To check cv joints turn hard in a cul de sac circle. They should pop in a hard turn. You must have a 4wd as this is a rear drive vehicle. Go both directions.
Normally the rubber will be broken in the bad joint. You can buy rebuild axles at a parts store.
The vacuum connection usually comes from the rear of the intake. Vacuum canisters are usually along side the engine under the hood. Trace the hose from the firewall to the engine before looking under the dash.