Grinding noise when turning, but only at certain point in turn

[velacreations]

My power steering box was going out, and I noticed a weird problem. When I turn right, at about 1/8 of the turn, I hear a kinda grinding noise. It is like something rubbing/grinding. At first, I thought "oh, wheel bearing". But, It sounds more to the center of the truck, not either side.

So, today, I replaced the box, and when I was doing that, I checked to see if there was any noticeable rubbing or play in the wheels. Nope, nothing.

Needless to say, the steering is night and day compared to what it was (it didn't have power steering when turning right), but on the test drive, I heard the noise again.

It only happens when turning right, and only at 1/8 of a turn, and only going slow (15mph or less).

I have been reading around, and everyone says wheel bearing with noises like this, and I suppose it could be. But also, I noticed that someone mentioned that the clutch could be grabbing, if you have a non slip rear end. Not sure if I do, I will look up the numbers.

Any ideas? Besides taking off the wheels, is there a way to test the bearings.

Could it be something in the 4X4?

 

[justinray]

I'd bet money it's the 'corner' of the tire hitting the 'corner' of the bumper. I replaced a lot (see sig) before realizing thats what mine was.

 

[velacreations]

I'll look, but I am pretty sure it isn't that (my tires are not even close to the bumper). The sound seems like it comes from the center, not the sides.

 

[stumiister]

If your truck is a 4x4 I bet you have a bad front right u-joint or some other problem with the front right 4x4 shaft coming from the front diff.
But I would check both sides for bad u-joints or worn shafts coming fron the front diff.
It is kinda of like a front wheel drive car if you turn the car right I belive the left cv shaft is bad if you turn the car left the right cv shaft is bad, or something like that.
But I would defintly check the u-joints and the shafts for the front diff.

 

[velacreations]

well, you made a liar out of me! that was it! the front left tire was barely hitting the bumper.

It is strange that this happens, though. Is it because of a weak shock, spring, or something? The right side has a good 3 inches of clearance, but the left side touches.

What caused this? (it only started recently).

 

[velacreations]

If your truck is a 4x4 I bet you have a bad front right u-joint or some other problem with the front right 4x4 shaft coming from the front diff.
But I would check both sides for bad u-joints or worn shafts coming fron the front diff.
It is kinda of like a front wheel drive car if you turn the car right I belive the left cv shaft is bad if you turn the car left the right cv shaft is bad, or something like that.
But I would defintly check the u-joints and the shafts for the front diff.

how do I check the u-joints, just check for play?

 

[justinray]

For me, it was also the left front, and it stopped after changing the shocks, the bumper may also be that the bumper is a little bent.

 

[velacreations]

For me, it was also the left front, and it stopped after changing the shocks, the bumper may also be that the bumper is a little bent.

could it have been that cow I hit?

yeah, I think the shock on the front might be a bit worn, I was noticing that today when I was changing out the steering box. It seemed a bit low.

I'll bend the bumper for now, and when some funds come my way, it will be new shocks in the front!

 

[justinray]

Yeah, glad you got it figured out. I bought a replacement bumper from LMC, but havent installed it yet. The sound was more prodiminant when backing up too, which was caused by the tore shifting forward due to bad ball joints.

 

[velacreations]

mine only does it at low speeds going forward. I need to check out all the joints and everything, but I need to earn some money to pay for it, first. I've spent a lot on the truck in the last 6 months, and it is getting there, but still a ways to go!

I typically only drive it every 2 weeks or so, so some problems can just be left alone for a while, if they are not too serious (shocks)

 

[79jasper]

I think I hooked a chain to my brothers 93 to straighten his out. Used my 94 to pull it. Didn't take much.

Almost all of them I see are sagging on the drivers side.

 

[velacreations]

I think I hooked a chain to my brothers 93 to straighten his out. Used my 94 to pull it. Didn't take much.

Almost all of them I see are sagging on the drivers side.

is it just bent bumpers or shocks? my bumper doesn't look obviously bent or saggy, actually.

I don't have another one to hook it, too, I will have to find a tree!

 

[79jasper]

A shock wouldn't affect it much at low speeds on level ground.

Just crappy bumpers and hardware. Just look how it's attached.

 

[justinray]

Yeah, you may have saved yourself a bit of money though finding out it wasnt anything major.

 

[velacreations]

well, there's no such thing as level ground around here, we're all rocky roads in the mountains.

But, I did check it, and the bumper was about 1/2" lower on the driver side, so I was able to lift it a bit. Still, it was too close for comfort, so I just cut the corner off real quick. Now, it has a clear 3" like the other side.