94 Z71 4X4 making loud popping noise

[MXTex]

My 94 Z71 emits a loud popping noise from the front end when turned to the stops or braked very hard. I had the front end checked out and was told to replace the pitman and idler arms which I did. Still the same popping. I'm the second owner of the truck and bought it from a friend of mine. He informs me that the truck has made this popping sound from day one. I've checked the intermediate steering shaft out and it seems to be lubed well. It's been inferred to me that the brakes could be causing this sound. I don't see how they could when turned to the stops but am welcome to ideas. Maybe the CV joints? The truck has 138k miles but hasn't been driven in 4WD very much. I've heard something about an engagement solenoid for the 4WD maybe? Any thoughts would be very much appreciated. I'm really searching here.

 

Another point worthy of noting. The rear brake shoes are the originals and show very little wear. This truck is barely using the rear brakes. Could this somehow be a contributor? Maybe a master cylinder issue which is also creating front caliper issues and causing the pop?

 

Other relevant facts: Stock chassis with no lift kit. Stock sized tires.

 

Thanks in advance.

[cyrylyn]

I'm starting to get the same thing now.. but I've been thrashing my 4WD pretty hard core, plus using the truck as a daily commuter. I'm fairly certain it's the CV Joint, but I'm going to wait for it to get worse before I fix it. I also have a worn pitman arm; I thought maybe that's what it was, but if replacing it didn't help you.. it's gotta be the CV.

[01BlackZ71]

Sounds like a CV joint to me.

 

Also, I'm not so sure about waiting around to fix one either. It seems that when they fully go out the truck shouldn't be driven to avoid other damages.

[chvythndr]

Also sounds like a CV to me.

[General Lee 01]

I'd also have to say CV-joint.

[Mule]

It could be the CV joint, but also look at re-torquing some of the suspension bolts. I had the same noise (though I have a lift), and it was just the A-arms and lower suspension pieces needed a good tightening. Could also be the A-arm bushings have worn out. Also, I have heard of steering boxes making noise.

 

Unfortunatly, I had bought new CV shafts, Pitman Arm, Idler arm, and Idler arm bracket, thinking it was the problem. Go after the cheap things first.

 

If you can get it on an alighnment rack and turn the wheels, have some one underneath listen and try to locate it. If it only does it while rolling, it would seem to be the CV shaft, since all the other parts move when turning the wheels at a standstill.

[Chris97K1500]

Does it make multiple popping noises while turning, or is it just one pop every time you turn? I just had a similar problem on my 97. I thought the worse, time for new CV's, but turned out to be worn tie rods on the passenger side. The mechanic said this is a common thing on our style trucks, especially after 100K miles. Right before it started to make the popping noise I got lots of play in the wheel. I could move the steering wheel 2-3" each way without the truck turning. Like an earlier post said, get someone to start your truck, and then turn the steering wheel while you are watching the steering components go back and forth. If the popping sound is heard while you are sitting still, it may not be your CV. If the sound only comes while moving, I'd bet like the others it's your CV. By the way, it cost me $240 for the inner and outer tie rod replacement with an alignment. Chris