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Clunk or pop when pulling out of driveway

8.6K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  NewbieDrew  
#1 ·
Hey all, hoping some of you can tell me if you've had the same problem with your armada...

First of all I own a 05 LE 4WD. Only been in full time 4WD Low once 1 year ago. Have driven in 4 Auto during 06-07 winter. Only 2WD since April of this year.

When pulling out of my driveway (slight decline in elevation) with the wheels turned all the way to the right for some reason I hear a pop or a clunk from underneath the front axle area. The same noise isn't produced when pulling out with the wheels turned to the left. Sounds like there is tension that finally releases as 1 wheel hits the lower elevation before the other. This only started happening around the 18k mile mark and has been consistent since it started. Now at 20,391 miles.

It's currently at the dealership, took the service guy on a spin this morning and could reproduce the popping noise but they can't seem to figure out the problem. It sounds like the problem is getting worse as the noise is starting to get louder (This could also be me listening for the noise as well).

Any thoughts or any of you had the same problem and had the dealership figure out what was going on? I'm afraid I might run into 4WD issues at some point.

Thanks again for any input you can provide.
 
#2 ·
I have an 05 SE 4X2 and I recently started noticing the same problem. I actually back my vehicle in at night so I co forward and make an extreme left and no clunk, but I get a pop and you can feel the vehicle jerk.

I plan on taking mine to the dealer prior to the 36K Warranty Runs out. Based on my mechanical knowlege, its either an axle issue, strut issue or some form of issue on the rt tire area.

I'll update you when done.

Question? if you turn your steering wheel fully to the left and go in a complete 360 deg circle does that reproduce the same experience? It does for mine. Hope it works for you, just a tip!!
 
#4 · (Edited)
Welcome to the Club!!!! :hi:
Have them check the Alignment on all 4-wheels. As I've been playing with mine, I've found that even a very slight front or rear toe mis-alignment can easily cause this. Next thing to have them check would be the tension on all of your suspension bolts. I think that excessive pressure on one of the bushings might be able to cause that too.
 
#5 ·
Noises are always difficult. Some dealers are good at this, some are not. Takes patience.

My thoughts are maybe tie rods, bushings worn incorrectly, check for leaky struts.

Probably you have seen this thread on re-torque the steering rack bolts / sway bar links.

We did have a noise, but it ended up being a loose front skid plate missing two bolts that was clanking metal to metal on bumps.....

Keep us posted!
 
#12 ·
Good deal and welcome!!!

I run over the trash sometimes at the end of the driveway, but the sound is more like a crunch and the mada seems to stop making noise by the end of the block.