Help diagnosing a popping noise

[MarshMarlowe]

2012 LS 2WD 5.3

A few months ago, I replaced lots of front end parts, and had an alignment performed afterwards

Replaced -
Lower Control Arms (GM)
Inner Tie Rods (GM)
Outer Tie Rods (MOOG)
Sway Bar Bushings (MOOG)

Now I hear an occasional popping noise when turning hard at slow speeds. Especially if I'm driving up over the something like the driveway hump. I've read that another likely cause of the noise could be upper strut mounts (of course there could be other causes)

I plan to raise end front end and try to figure it out. Any way to diagnose the Struts if they're the cause?

 

[mikez71]

Did it not make popping noises before the new parts?
Can you elaborate on the popping noise? Is it like a light clunk or hard clunk?

Might try and tighten your lower arm bolts.
Mine were not tight enough after I replaced them, alignment guy test drove it harder and heard something...
For that matter, anything that was replaced or disturbed when installing the new parts like swaybar endlinks.

Sorry I'm not sure how to test struts..

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Does it clunk going both forward and in reverse?

 

[Marky Dissod]

Besides the struts, it could be a steering shaft, or a transfer case bushing.

 

[MarshMarlowe]

Did it not make popping noises before the new parts?
Can you elaborate on the popping noise? Is it like a light clunk or hard clunk?

Might try and tighten your lower arm bolts.
Mine were not tight enough after I replaced them, alignment guy test drove it harder and heard something...
For that matter, anything that was replaced or disturbed when installing the new parts like swaybar endlinks.

Sorry I'm not sure how to test struts..

It did not make this noise before the new parts were installed. Popping noise sounds like a light metallic 'clink'. I think I can feel it in the steering wheel when it happens. Sounds like the noise is originating from something thinner than a control arm, but that's just my speculation

When I installed the LCAs, I torqued them to spec. I suppose I could spec torque them again in case they've loosened. You're supposed to torque them with the vehicle weight on wheels, but getting access for that configuration is difficult, so I torqued them with no wheel installed, frame on jackstands

 

[MarshMarlowe]

Does it clunk going both forward and in reverse?

Yes, I think so

 

[petethepug]

Open hood, start motor, hold brake while nudging gas. Watch & listen to see if motor has excessive movement.

If it does inspect both mounts for collapse, cracks & leaking. You’ve just tightened up the 17 years of worn out bushings so it’s going to tug on the next weakest link during torque flex.

BTW nice job on giving the Ol’ Dog some love. How’s the ride since swapping the bushings?

 

[MarshMarlowe]

Open hood, start motor, hold brake while nudging gas. Watch & listen to see if motor has excessive movement.

If it does inspect both mounts for collapse, cracks & leaking. You’ve just tightened up the 17 years of worn out bushings so it’s going to tug on the next weakest link during torque flex.

BTW nice job on giving the Ol’ Dog some love. How’s the ride since swapping the bushings?

After swapping the bushings, the truck has road manners again. Significant improvement

 

[petethepug]

Clickity 8 popping gone? Trying to write out motor mounts.