Front end issue

[ANder]

have a 99 Tahoe LS with a 5.7L 4x4 4l60 trans.

I start vehicle. Put trans in reverse. At rolling speed after about a foot or two I hear a clunk and feel it in the front end. It drives fine after that initial clunk. Does not happen when starting from a stop while driving.

Brake pads, rotors/drums, calipers, and wheel cylinders in the rear are all new. I just replaced power steering pump with the EVO bypass and steering lines. I’ve drained front and rear dif, trans, transfer case with no bad signs of ware. Ball joints, links, pitman, and idler are all good. Tie rods are decent no slop. Bearings are good in front and rear also.

I know I need upper control arms and bushings as well as lower control arm bushings. Could that be the issue?

Occasionally I’ll hear the clunk a few times while pulling out of drive. Sound is consistent weather wheels are turned or straight.

Any thoughts are well appreciated. I can offer more detail as well.

 

[96-2D-Hoe]

My front pads sometimes clunk. And I have a set of ****** aftermarket shoes on the back, one is a bit twisted and they clunk sometimes too. Otherwise I can't imagine what could be doing that in reverse other than something serious trans/transfer.

Edit: I guess a very sticky/corroded slip yoke could do that too. You could pull the driveshaft and clean some of the rust off with fine paper or scotch pad and grease up the splines.

 

[ANder]

My front pads sometimes clunk. And I have a set of ****** aftermarket shoes on the back, one is a bit twisted and they clunk sometimes too. Otherwise I can't imagine what could be doing that in reverse other than something serious trans/transfer.

Edit: I guess a very sticky/corroded slip yoke could do that too. You could pull the driveshaft and clean some of the rust off with fine paper or scotch pad and grease up the splines.

Greasing splines sounds like a good idea thanks!

 

[alpinecrick]

Check the A-arm bolts. Upper and lower but especially the upper arm bolts. Check the upper ball joints.

GM has a specific bulletin warning NOT to grease the splines 'cause the shaft comes in contact with the T-case fluid and can/will contaminate the fluid. Besides, greasing the splines is a very short term fix.

The long term fix is a nickel plated splined shaft. It ain't cheap........

 

[exp500]

Check your 4x4 isn't engaging /disengaging.