Dull thumping noise from front end

[Jack_M]

I thought for sure I had a bad wheel bearing on the drivers side and swapped it out but I still have a thumping sound that is increases or decreases depending on speed. It gets louder when turning right like on an off ramp, but I don't hear it when turning to the left. it sounds like it's coming from the left front wheel. The CV shafts were replaced about two years ago and appear to be OK, no tears in the boots nothing out of place. I Lifted it back up and rechecked the wheels no play side to side or up and down. I have been searching the forum and I'm usually able to find a solution but there was nothing for this. Does anybody have any idea what it could be? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[alrock]

How about worn bushings on the sway bar? Or upper or lower control arm bushings? Or loose bolts/worn bushings in the steering rack. Worn diff mount bushings on either side.

 

[Jack_M]

I had it up on jacks today and did not see any play in the upper or lower control arms, sway bar appeared to be OK, but I will check it again. I did not check the diff mount bushings though. I will have to do that after work tomorrow. Thank you for the suggestions!

 

[rascole]

Brakes or rotor could be warped. Could even be out of balance tires, I've had weights fall off before.

 

[Jack_M]

Thanks Rascole! I just did the rotors and calipers about a month ago. I can take it back to the tire shop and get the tires rotated and balanced to check that!

 

[Jack_M]

Has anybody heard of CV shafts thumping? I replaced mine due to clicking, but a friend of mine was telling me they could make thumping sounds as well when the inner shaft was bad? I have always had them go bad at the outer part of the shaft?

 

[4speedfunk]

Check the front crossmember bushing, steering rack bushings, and ball joints. Also the lower shock bolts make that sound when they are loose.

 

[Traxx]

Alot of times it is helpful to have someone else turn the steering while you view each component, some things pass visual inspection until a load is put on them.

 

[alrock]

Has anybody heard of CV shafts thumping? I replaced mine due to clicking, but a friend of mine was telling me they could make thumping sounds as well when the inner shaft was bad? I have always had them go bad at the outer part of the shaft?

Yes, if they are not rotating properly in the CV it could thump, or feel bumpy on a sharp turn. I've seen it more as a binding issue in the CV

 

[Jack_M]

OK so I just checked and the differential bushing is shot I will order one and see if that helps.

 

[Jack_M]

OK so Diff bushing changed still no luck thump is still there with a clicking sound at low speed going straight or turning. Decided to change the front diff fluid to see if there was something there? no chunks, no shavings, stunk like heck of course, but honestly I have had more in other differentials that were fine with no problems. No play in the CV Shafts, Drive Shaft. This is driving me crazy!!

 

[rascole]

One on the best troubleshooting tools is a GoPro with a magnetic base. Put it where you think it is and drive around the block, repeat in several locations until you find it.

 

[4speedfunk]

Clicking is almost always a CV joint. That doesn’t mean it’s bad...it’s just loud. The thump however is a sign something needs attention. Steering rack bushings are the most obvious suspect. Also check the lower shock bolts as they often work loose. After that, I would look at ball joints. The uppers will thump when they go bad.