Front end noise

[reefgeorge]

When I back out of the driveway I pass over a depression with the wheels turned hard over. At the bottom the front end has a clunk or loud creak. It does not happen if the wheels are in a straight line. I have recently replaced the idler arm, relay rod, and front brakes (for different reasons). The problem is the same before and after. If I push down hard on the front end to stress the shocks - no noise. I had someone follow the truck through the motions and they confirm that it is from the wheel well or lower suspension/steering areas.

I did notice during the last steering work that the ball joints are at or near the end of their life (145,000 miles). Could this be loose ball joints that only move when the front end is set in a tight turn? Any other ideas?

Thanks,

[old_master]

There is a steering overstop bracket on the rearward edge of each lower control arm and a steel "bumper" on each of the steering knuckles. When turning the wheels fully in each direction, the bumper contacts the bracket. Greasing the bracket and bumper should be included with each lube job. Just a thought.

[reefgeorge]

Good tip, I'll check it out this weekend.