Had a disturbing problem today. Sometimes, when I turn, there is a loud semi-metallic rapping noise that comes from the transmission area. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> This only happens when turning at medium to high speed. It happens a lot on onramps. I've been able to reproduce it by doing tight, fairly fast circles in a parking lot. It's very unnerving, I don't know what could be causing it. I suspected a problem with the center differential, but I cycled from 2Hi to 4LoLC twice and still had the problem. That raised some questions too(long engage/disengage times) but I'll address those later.

Any ideas?

If it only happens during a turn, give your suspension/steering a once over. My noise was coming from my worn stabilizer bushings.

Grease your steering stops. when your turning at full lock and get the slightest bump you'll get metal to metal contact and makes a nasty sound. I'm not sure if thats your problem, Just sayin..

Try turning all the way to one side, then go over a small bump. If it is the same noise, it is probably the steering stop. But if it happens on on ramps, I dont think you will be turning full lock going that fast. Check your exhaust to see if it is hitting something. Some have had problems with the pipe hitting the torsion bar bolt. Check your transmission/Tcase mount to see if it is moving around a little. There is a metal "loop" hold down thing for when you dont change out the mount for 15years it will still stay in place when the rubber is no longer attached. Or T-case roll stoper bushing and mount. Or just get under there and start shaking things with your hands and see if you can see anything moving around. \

Whatever you find, let us know.

You know, there was some occasional exhaust rattle that was never taken care of, that could be it. Is it possible that some loose exhaust component would be touching some steering component?

It happens before the steering hits the stops- maybe 75% steering travel? And it doesn't happen below say 10MPH.

You gotta get under there and look, brother. There's no other way to tell. We're all just speculating right now, but let us know what you find out!

Exactly. The exhaust should not touch the steering.

Heh, I got up to do so, but then I remembered that the ground is wet from rain. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> Perfect time to be crawling around under the Monty, eh? Should be dry soon.

Just took a look underneath. There are some dent marks where the exhaust passes by the front driveshaft U-joint, but there are several distinct marks, not a whole bunch of them. The exhaust seems solidly mounted. My theory is that those happened when someone drove over a big pothole and the front suspension bottomed out.

Also, I have an oil leak. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

Any other ideas?

cv joint boot