Thunk, clunk when braking or turning wheel to full lock

[Deleted member 7876]

I'm wondering:
-after reading all the threads for this type of problem
-after having a new rack and pinion put in 6 months ago
-after having a new alignment 2 days ago due to installing an upper control arm

Could this still be the steering rack bushings/clamp?
I only ask because I've pretty much replaced everything in the front end, cv joints, ball joints, upper control arms, sway bar links, shocks, bump stops, brakes/rotors, wheel hubs, etc.
The only thing I haven't replaced is the steering rack bushings/clamp with a reinforced kit, and upper and lower steering shafts.

Tired of dealing with front end issues and just want this resolved.
Yesterday, (day after the alignment) I was pulling out of the driveway and had the wheel turned, heard and felt a clunk, steering wheel popped to the right and while going down the road was pulling to the right. Quickly went back to the alignment folks, they looked it over and said they couldn't find anything really, other than the rack and pinion moving a little. They checked the bolts but said they were all tight, so they didn't know why it had play since it's only 6 months old.
I'm guessing I'll get the Outfitters bushing reinforcement kit but can anyone think of anything else that should be replaced?

I can't imagine a little play in the rack and pinion, that's only 6 months old could cause a pop like that, I could be wrong, but it's hard to believe. Anyone know if this can happen?
I also noticed later on when turning, it seemed to pop back to it's original position, it drove straight and everything.
I was suppose to take this to NY from VA for Christmas, now, not feeling safe, I have to pick up a rental tomorrow. UGH!

Any help would be grateful!

 

[Bowser-II]

Most obvious is there really shouldn’t be play I the steering and go through and tighten all the fasteners in the suspension and steering to spec, including brakes and wheels.


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[Bowser-II]

Good starting point:

https://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php/14319-Hummer-H3-fastener-Torque-specs


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[alrock]

That bushing on the right side is pretty weak and it doesn't take much for it to fail. I'd also look closely at the lower control arm bushings for wear - maybe the alignment guys missed it. That clunk and pulling leads me to look at the lower control arms. I had an issue of pulling to the right when braking and it was the lower control arm bushings.

Less about steering and more about clunks, take a look at all three differential bushings and the two motor mounts.

 

[Deleted member 7876]

I haven't thought of or looked at the lower control arms, I think because I've heard/read they're a pain to replace and I quickly threw that in the back of my mind. I'll have to check them out. Chances are, with 270,00 miles on the body, those are the culprits. I'm sure the diff bushings are fine. Since I've owned it, I've had the front diff replaced and then the front diff bushings with Outfitter's kit. But motor mounts, could be those too unless they replaced them when they replaced the engine, doubtful though. Thanks Alrock!

 

[alrock]

I'm on my third or fourth set of lower control arm bushings. Here are some pics of bad bushings.

Here the rubber is being squeeze out.

Dry rotted

 

[Deleted member 7876]

Yea, they don't look very good. Will definitely have to check those out.
Where did ya get the bushings from?
I see that Rockauto has the:
GM GENUINE 15088366 Rear; Front Lower; 4WD; POA THE FRAME
But I don't see the other ones, really anywhere, other than buying the control arm itself, I'm assuming the other ones are the ones pressed into the control arm.

 

[alrock]

Looks like Rockauto is out of stock of the other one, ACDelco 15088365. This one is pressed into the control arm and the other one is pressed into the frame. It's a bit of work to do but can be done with a ball joint press and a variety of adapters and rings. To get old one in the frame out, it sometimes takes a bit of force, like with an air hammer. Take pictures of the exact alignment of the rear one and try and press the new one in the same amount, meaning that metal flange should be X mm away from the actual body of the vehicle. You'll notice in my pics its 2-3 mm away. It's necessary to get that same bushing alignment to be able to reinstall the LCA.

You might as well do ball joints at that same time if you're taking the time to replace the bushings. Not that much more work to do those while you've got everything disassembled.

 

[Deleted member 7876]

Thanks Alrock. When I get back I'll have to look them over. But also looks as if I might have to change the whole lower control arms if I can't find those bushings. No big deal, would actually be a little easier to simply change them out.

 

[alrock]

Those bushings are available from sources other than Rockauto. Additionally, even if you buy a whole new LCA you still have to deal with pressing the bushing that's in the frame out.

 

[Deleted member 7876]

Yea, just a bit difficult to find, I'll be able to dig a bit deeper when I get to my PC, away from a million family members. And yes, that remark was directed to the LCA pressed bushing, I know the frame bushing will still be a thing I'll have to tackle.

 

[rascole]

LCA can be a real PITA. Like Alrock said it can be done with the right adapter, but be careful, if you bell out the outer metal bushing it will be 10x as hard to get out. I would first look at the steering rack clamp, have a friend turn the wheels in park while you look at it or use a GoPro to film it. Secondly I would agree that the diff mounts could be the next culprit.

 

[Deleted member 7876]

Chances are, with 270,00 miles on the body, LCA bushings are probably shot. Will know more within the next couple of days.
"I'm sure the diff bushings are fine. Since I've owned it, I've had the front diff replaced and then the front diff bushings with Outfitter's kit"
"Quickly went back to the alignment folks, they looked it over and said they couldn't find anything really, other than the rack and pinion moving a little"
I'm waiting for either Outfitter's or Mayhem's steering kits to get back in stock.