Front End Clunking and Bump Steer (i think).

[mentalattica]

Hope this is the right place to post, but I have a 2007 Yukon SLT 142k mi. Owned since 2010 w 33k mi.

I don’t drive it a lot roughly 7k mi/yr. Prior to this issue this is the last suspension work I did.
2016:
New LCAs
New Front Quick Struts
New outer tie rod ends
New Sway bar end links and sway bar bushings
New Tires

2021:
New rear struts
New Tires

Over the past year I’ve been getting thumping/knocking/rattling at the wheels, or minor clunking going over small bumps. I can feel it through the steering shaft and in the steering wheel. If I hit a bump fast enough to my steering wheel along with my wheels jerk right to left. It makes it miserable to drive.

I’ve checked for play in my ball joints and found none. But since some of my boots were torn I replaced:

2025:
UCAs
LCAs
Inner Tie Rods
Outer Tie Rod Ends
Sway Bar Links and Bushings
Checked my Intermediate Steering Shaft to make sure it was still lubed.
Had it Aligned.

There’s absolutely no change. Still shaking and rattling. The steering rack bushings look fine. The only thing I haven’t replaced are the front shocks/struts again. I did remove one while replacing the UCAs to inspect it and nothing jumped out at me.

Other than the shocks and tires I’m at a loss. Anyone more knowledgeable have any ideas where I should look?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ivin74]

Have you checked the front hub bearings or the rack and pinnion?

What brand parts are you using? Aftermarket parts are junk. They are good for about 20k miles at best.

I personally think it's the rack and pinion. The internal components wearing out and start making funny noises.

 

[mentalattica]

Have you checked the front hub bearings or the rack and pinnion?

What brand parts are you using? Aftermarket parts are junk. They are good for about 20k miles at best.

I personally think it's the rack and pinion. The internal components wearing out and start making funny noises.

The first front end overhaul was Delco Pro or Gold, whatever they called it at the time. They were still fine other than torn boots. The most recent replacements are Delphi.

The quick struts were Monroe (OeSpectrum or something like that). Nothing fancy. I have replaced the drivers side hub with a Moog hub.

I did consider the rack wearing but I’m not sure how to diagnose that other than checking for play in the steering wheel.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Check the front differential mounts, as the bushings will deteriorate over time and cause a clunking situation.

 

[petethepug]

You got 80-90% of the major services covered. When I did the whole enchilada on the front end of my 09 this year it was the rack swap that did the trick for getting rid of the play and bump in the steering.

The replacement rack from Detroit axle was priced ridiculously below $2h shipped with no core charge. The plan is to use it for a place holder until the OEM rack is rebuilt.

Trusting the D/A (too good to be true) rack for more than $2h worth of peace of mind isn’t gonna happen. But ya, a new rack is a good call.

Rather than spending 8-$1.2k on a rebuilt GM rack is better spent on having my original rack reman at a pro racing shop for the same or less. There’s too much junk of unknown origins right now.

 

[mentalattica]

You got 80-90% of the major services covered. When I did the whole enchilada on the front end of my 09 this year it was the rack swap that did the trick for getting rid of the play and bump in the steering.

The replacement rack from Detroit axle was priced ridiculously below $2h shipped with no core charge. The plan is to use it for a place holder until the OEM rack is rebuilt.

Trusting the D/A (too good to be true) rack for more than $2h worth of peace of mind isn’t gonna happen. But ya, a new rack is a good call.

Rather than spending 8-$1.2k on a rebuilt GM rack is better spent on having my original rack reman at a pro racing shop for the same or less. There’s too much junk of unknown origins right now.

I’ve started pricing racks and there’s not a lot of options as far as I can see. Cardone, BBB Industries, etc. Both reman. and new but the general consensus is that theyre all junk. I’ll have to look into having my rack rebuilt, it’s not a daily driver so it can sit for a while if I can find someone to rebuilt it.

 

[petethepug]

Post in thread 'Steering Rack Replacement'
https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/steering-rack-replacement.153073/post-1967368

Here’s one I hadn’t heard of…

Plews & Edlemann Rack and Pinion

 

[guy from norcal]

Check the top of your struts. Make sure it doesn't look like this

 

[ivin74]

I purchased a new Edlemann rack and pinion for my son's silverado and its he has not had any issues with it in 4 years.

2007 GMC YUKON 5.3L V8 Rack and Pinion | Shop Now at RockAuto

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