98s10 thump in front end

[dree]

I've got a 98 s10 that has a thump in the front (sounds like passenger side). Happens occassionally when shifting into reverse from park, frequently when turning at low speeds (backing out of driveway, turning onto street), and occassionally when stopping. Any ideas?

[drdd]

some possible causes that you can search for on this forum ...

sway bar bushings
control arm bushings (I'd bet a dollar! )
clunking hood washer (but I don't think it applies to your year truck. not sure)
possibly motor mounts
possibly ball joints

of course, make sure all the zerk grease fittings are greased. only takes 5 minutes.

for a 98, make sure your transmission fluid exchange service is up-to-date.

Originally Posted by dree

I've got a 98 s10 that has a thump in the front (sounds like passenger side). Happens occassionally when shifting into reverse from park, frequently when turning at low speeds (backing out of driveway, turning onto street), and occassionally when stopping. Any ideas?

[dree]

After driving today I'm pretty sure it's tha ball joints. I had a guy replace them for me just about 1 1/2 years ago. Any chance they are just loose rather than shot? If so, how can I tell? From what I read on here it looks as if it'd be as easy as just removing the cotter pin and tightening the nut. True?

[drdd]

These trucks eat ball joints for lunch. Could be it.

search ball joints on this forum and in the how-to section

Jack up truck and then grab the tire at six o-clock and twelve o-clock. Try to wiggle it back and forth. There shouldn't be any play or movement. Don't let the guys and the quick lube put a crowbar up in there, wiggle stuff around, and then tell you your ball joints need replaced. Anything can be made to wiggle with a crowbar.

To change ball joint, you'll need a picklefork tool which can be rented for free at Autozone. If you are replacing factory stock ball joints, it's more involve. You have to drill out rivets -- helps to have an air hammer. I recommend new ball joints from Napa which have the rubber rather than the plastic-like covers.


ball joints won't get loose ... what happens is they get dirt or grit in the joint and this wears down the joint.

Originally Posted by dree

After driving today I'm pretty sure it's tha ball joints. I had a guy replace them for me just about 1 1/2 years ago. Any chance they are just loose rather than shot? If so, how can I tell? From what I read on here it looks as if it'd be as easy as just removing the cotter pin and tightening the nut. True?

[dree]

ok, all the symptoms for ball joints seen to be there, except for the wiggle test. I was ready to go pick up the ball joints this morning & do it today, but decided to jack it up and try first. No play. Got under there & found that the sway bar bushings look fine (was hoping that would be it - seems a lot easier!), but I think the control arm bushings may be it. I'm going to lubricate them to see if that help, but it looks as if they may be rotting out. Is there any diagram anyewhere for the grease fittings? I see that mentioned often here, but don't know what to do.