1997 F-150 4x2, 5.4, automatic, 43k miles, no suspension mods, Libra

...when sitting still at a light or at low speed (less than 10mph), gentle movements of the steering wheel left and rights will result in a noticable "thunk" from somewhere in the front-end. I can feel it through the steering wheel as well...any thoughts?

Steve

 

Most likely culprits

1. Idler arm or pitman arm
2. Tie rod end
3. Ball joints, less likely as you often "feel" these less in the wheel.

Sounds like a job for a good front-end shop. If you know what to look for, you can check it yourself if you have a friend to turn the wheel back and forth while you look at the steering linkage.

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BLK 2000 F150 XLT 4X4 SuperCab SB, Shift-on-the-fly, 5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55 LS, 4-Wheel disc/ABS, ORP, Keyless, PWR Seat, Slider, Soft tonneau, Cab steps.
MODS: Rhino, Molded flaps, Mobil1 0W-30

 

Another thought:

worn u-joint on steering shaft. It's been in these threads before.

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99 XLT,4.6L Auto,4X4,tow pkge,Factory Nerf Bars and Mudflaps, K&N filter,BugflectorII, Amazon Green/Silver, Pace Edwards Rolltop Cover, maybe a Superchip

 

Mine would do this at standing still if you moved the steering wheel left or right. It was at about 30K. Kind of scruching metalic noise. I can't remember what they replaced. They mentioned a "bushing" being dry? I will see if I can find the work sheet.

I later had the steering joint problem but that was a loud bang when decelerating or accelerating at about 45-55. Sort of like a joint binding momentarily or a torque converter unlocking in an old Dodge. That kind of noise.

 

Just a thought, did you take it in to have the steering intermediate shaft replaced on a TSB? My 97 developed a "clunk" that would happen occasionally. Felt it first, then sometimes could hear it too. When I described it in print for them, they actually changed it (helped that I mentioned about the TSB!). They got it right the second time. The shaft is from under the dash (does not include the tilt-wheel part of shaft), down to the steering box. Has a u-joint in it and slip-coupling. If you have them do it under warranty (unlikely now?), make sure they put the plastic stone shield back on the shaft that's just up from the gearbox.

 

Mine was done/found on a TSB after I reported it.

 

Wait one minute, I didn't hear about any TSB on this. Does it also apply to 99's? I've got that same clunk.

Responses please!

Hobbit

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99 XLT,4.6L Auto,4X4,tow pkge,Factory Nerf Bars and Mudflaps, K&N filter,BugflectorII, Amazon Green/Silver, Pace Edwards Rolltop Cover, maybe a Superchip

 

Well I don't know about 99's on this TSB but unless you are subscribing to TSB service you wouldn't hear anything. It's not a "Recall" which they would have to notify you about. Is that what you were thinking of?

 

No. I wasn't expecting to get "notified by Ford" like a recall. It will be a cold day in "heck" when Ford notifies us of a problem. It's just whenever I go to the dealership do ask for a printout of a TSB they always say does not apply to 99's. Even when it is describing the exact problem my vehicle is exibiting. >

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99 XLT,4.6L Auto,4X4,tow pkge,Factory Nerf Bars and Mudflaps, K&N filter,BugflectorII, Amazon Green/Silver, Pace Edwards Rolltop Cover, maybe a Superchip

 

I noticed my 1997 making the clunking noise as well. I'll have the dealer look at it, I think the TSB is 98-14-5