Somewhere in the steering (column to pump probably), is a not so loud knock that can just be felt through the steering wheel. It is intermitent and happens at slower speeds mostly. Any turn of the wheel can make it happen.

Thoughts to where the problem is?

As always, thanks for the assistance. Tim

Check the anti-sway bar bushings first (frame and ends).

Next, have someone turn the wheel back and forth over center (just slight pressure to each side) and look for play in the joints. Work through the steering system beginning with the steering box, the pitman arm joint, idler arm joint, tie-rod ends, and ball joints. If you find any slack at all, you may have found the culprit.

Good luck,
Frank

as usual, frankr has pretty much covered everything. my question is it a knocking or a popping, and is it something that you just feel or can you actually hear it? might want to check out your cv's as well, just for gp. btw, theres quite a few of us on the wire from the wasatch, you shouldotta check out this board...
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...711644&fpart=&PHPSESSID=
motero's been trying to get some kind of trek going for a while now. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Frank, that's good clear advice.

And hi Grass (no pun intended), didn't know so many from the Wasatch were here. Saw your thread link and the junkyard I've had good success with is Pic-n-Pull on 33rd So. And yes I can hear a slight knock as well as feel one.

After jacking up the front and turning the wheel, the knock seems to be from the passanger side. Funny, 'cause I would have bet it was coming from somewhere inline with the steering column.

I still am not sure where though as all the bushings and dust covers look clean (relatively) and dry. My best guess would be an idler arm issue, although I'm not sure which part is the anti-sway bar (not pictured in Chilton's)?? - rookie question, I know. Tim

The anti-sway bar is a long bent rod that is attached to the frame (in rubber bushings) in the center and at each end is attached to the lower control arm (near the tire). The ends have rubber bushing mounts and take a great deal of wear and tear.

However, if you jacked up the truck and hear the noise while turning the wheel, the problem probably isn't in the anti-sway bar because it isn't moving. The problem is in one of the steering joints and could be in more than one.

Start at the steering box and follow the connections. Don't try to start at the end or the middle - start from the beginning and carefully watch each joint in order to find the slack.

If you still can't find it, set the truck back on the floor and try that way - sometimes it helps the snooping to have more resistance on the steering components.

Frank