Popping

[MBM1441]

I know there’s a ton of threads out there on this, but I figured what does one more hurt. There is a popping coming from the front end when turned the wheel when not in motion and when taking a 90 degree turn relatively slow. I’ve attached a video of it when it is not moving.

Background, just purchased 2020 Gladiator Sport less than a month ago. It’s got a 2.5 in lift and running on 315s. It has 45,000 miles on it. The popping just started a few days ago. Other than that, it runs and drives perfectly fine. Anything thoughts on what it might be??

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[Jeepmonster]

Had the same symptoms on mine. The popping got worse over time. My suspension is stock, with the exception of leveling spacers up front. My issue turned out to be a loose pitman arm nut. My steering gear was replaced under the TSB, so my theory is that the nut wasn't torqued down enough when the dealership worked on it. Good luck with yours.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

Only god knows (jk). Mine has been doing it since day one. I’m at 26k miles now no issues.

That being said, I think some forum members found a fix by torquing the ball joints to proper spec. I tightened mine some once and it definitely got quieter. I just don’t think I tightened enough I guess.

 

[Hootbro]

Another vote for checking the upper and lower ball joint torque. Could also be a myriad of things if the lift was installed and proper torque values were not adhered to when they tighten everything up.

Being that loud at a stop, I would have an assistant move the steering wheel back and forth and check myself on the ground. Should be able to narrow the sound location further.

 

[Lunentucker]

Another vote for checking the upper and lower ball joint torque. Could also be a myriad of things if the lift was installed and proper torque values were not adhered to when they tighten everything up.

Being that loud at a stop, I would have an assistant move the steering wheel back and forth and check myself on the ground. Should be able to narrow the sound location further.

This.
You can't find it from the driver's seat. Check EVERYTHING. Even the lug nuts.
If you don't have a helper then set your phone to a good position and record the video while you move the wheel back and forth.

Some of this will look different, because you don't have the orange awesomeness, but the main components are the same.

 

[Lunentucker]

The Pitman arm nut torque is 1.5 hernias

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Had the same symptoms on mine. The popping got worse over time. My suspension is stock, with the exception of leveling spacers up front. My issue turned out to be a loose pitman arm nut. My steering gear was replaced under the TSB, so my theory is that the nut wasn't torqued down enough when the dealership worked on it. Good luck with yours.

Yours is the second report I've seen of that pitman nut being loose.
The nut is supposed to be REPLACED with a new one - but it wasn't included in the original TSB for the steering gear. It was only in the latest 2 revs it was included. It's a one time use nut!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The Pitman arm nut torque is 1.5 hernias

The irony is that the TSB for loose joints is 2021 model year..........
HOWEVER - I am NOT suggesting to not check - just that if something is found incorrect on the ball joints, someone up there needs to know!
(I'm currently taking 8 pills a day for tight joints - oh how I wish they were loose again.)

For 2020s, it could be due to the pitman nut being re-used and/or not properly torqued.
Because it's a tapered spline joint, I advocate checking that big nut (not referring to a forum member, but a part on the truck) after a few miles.
(I get out my 3/4" drive tractor tool set when I deal with those pitman parts.
I've already been through one hernia and a bicep ripped off the bone in my left arm.
At this age, can't afford things totally falling off. )

 

[MBM1441]

Ya'll were right on. Ball joints and tie rods weren't torched enough. Got everything tightened up and it rides like a gem. Thank you all!!

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