Something break? Or just snow?

[05ram4x4]

Today i drove my truck and had the wheel cut to pull into a space. Then i hear a loud bang! I want to say it was because there was fresh snow. (about an inch) and maybe the tire slipped? Not sure. It happened a couple other times today too. All the same situation. Just curious if it has happened to anyone else.

 

[Sharp Charge]

Were you in 2 or 4 wheel? Did you look under to see if a tie rod was dicked up? Did you try to turn the opposite direction to see if it did it that way too?

 

[05ram4x4]

I didn't try to make it happen again as I was afraid to. I didn't see anything unusual when I look really quick. The driver side made the noise each time...if I remember correctly. I may have been turning right each time too. I was in 2 wheel drive.

 

[bronx79]

U-joint maybe.....?

 

[05ram4x4]

I wonder if ot has anything to do with the constant thumps i hear on bumps. Not load at all...just sounds almost as if it was just the nature of it.

 

[bronx79]

I wonder if ot has anything to do with the constant thumps i hear on bumps. Not load at all...just sounds almost as if it was just the nature of it.

None of that sounds normal to me. I think something is loose or worn possibly? Id crawl under there and start pushing and pulling on to stuff to see if something jumps out at ya. some of the smallest things can make the most annoying noises or thumps. But i don't think cutting your wheel to the right or left should always produce a thud or thump..snow or no snow..

 

[05ram4x4]

It's never done it before...so that's why it leads me to believe it's the snow. Reminds me of when you walk on fresh snow and it makes the certain sounds when your foot compacts it...if that makes sense. haha

 

[bronx79]

It's never done it before...so that's why it leads me to believe it's the snow. Reminds me of when you walk on fresh snow and it makes the certain sounds when your foot compacts it...if that makes sense. haha

HA!!! I feel ya! Just to ease your mind double check just to make sure all is good under there. But yes..Damn that crunchy new snow!!

 

[05ram4x4]

I will...so basically start trying to move things? If they move...well there ya go?

 

[moparman]

could either be a tie rod or a ball joint binding up somewhere. Dodge trucks are famous for eating ball joints. Constant thumps over bumps is most likely a ball joint. But if the steering wheel is a little off and it wanders on the highway it could be a tie rod.

 

[05ram4x4]

Im going to check those when i have the chance. Thanks!

 

[05ram4x4]

Figured it out! OS I brought it to a shop..they said it needed a ball joint and a new bearing. Okay, so That was done. I get basically home then and it makes that bang again! So I turned the wheel lock to lock in park and listened. It made it every time I went full right then back. SO I had a friend turn the wheel while I watched. Turns out the left bolt on the upper arm on the passenger side was loose. Since the holes are elongated (I assume for alignment adjustment?) it was sliding. I tightened it up snug (temporarily) and it was fine. I guess I'll get an alignment now.

 

[Sharp Charge]

There ya go. They should have seen that though if they replaced the ball joint....