Strange clunking sound coming from steering rack area when hitting pothole.

[Ram Driver]

New 2017 Ram 1500 Lonestar with 3000 mi. I had the lifetime alignment done to make sure it was oaky. Drives perfect down the road and does not wonder or pull at any speed or during braking. The dealer hasn't been able to pinpoint the clunking sound when I hit a pothole or city bumps. Its very minor but it's a new truck. Should make any weird sounds.
At least the dealer doesn't find anything loose. It does have to be pretty extreme jolt before I hear the noise. Sounds like a banging or clunking sound in the steering rack.

 

[Mickey Russell]

I have a 2018 with the same issue. I thought I read somewhere on these forums that some had issues with a loose joint in the steering column causing a clunking noise on more aggressive bumps. Was going to have them look at it the next time I have it in the shop.


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[joshuaeb09]

It could be the sway bar end links. I killed mine by 5k and replaced them with some beefier suspensionmaxx ones which have held up so far, but they are a little pricey. My fathers truck also killed them pretty quickly until he replaced them with moog's (after 2 previous failures if I remember correctly). That being said I'm running bills at 2.1" upfront which may have accelerated the wear, but his truck is all stock with the same issue. Neither of us do much off-roading beyond driving around out at the property, but those county roads out there kill the weak stock endlinks pretty quickly.

 

[Mickey Russell]

Mine sounds like it is behind the dash. Sounds too heavy to be a loose cable or connector.


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[chrisbh17]

Just a WAG - under the dash there is a weight attached to the manual parking pawl release cable for the transmission. Not sure why its there, but is it possible thats what you are hearing bounce around/hitting the dash? Maybe its loose or not in the correct position to clear things around it.

 

[VB712]

Mine has had a clunk in the front end since the day I bought it. I’ve tried everything and it’s still there. I just live with it now.

 

[Mickey Russell]

Just a WAG - under the dash there is a weight attached to the manual parking pawl release cable for the transmission. Not sure why its there, but is it possible thats what you are hearing bounce around/hitting the dash? Maybe its loose or not in the correct position to clear things around it.

Looked under the dash and the weight seems to be fine but the brake pedal has a lot of slop in it. When hit from the side there is a fair bit of movement and a clunk to go along with. Will see tomorrow if I get the clunking noise with the foot on the brake.


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[mdxers11]

I have a 2013 Express with the same issue. Feels and sounds like a worn u joint in the steering column . I can hear it inside the cab. Perhaps there is a parts diagram to see the steering linkage from the steering wheel down through the firewall to diagnose. Im getting sick of it