I have a 2001 Ford Ranger, 4.0 V6, SOHC, 4WD Super Cab. There is a rattling noise coming from the front end that sounds similar to a bad ball joint. But I jacked it up and checked for play in the joints and they felt rock solid on both sides and the boots looked brand new. The control arm, tie rod and shocks all look good. The noise does not occur standing still or at idle. It only occurs (or seems to) at low speeds when hitting bumps or braking. I can feel it through the steering wheel and wondered if it could be the steering column. And, if it is, is it serious enough to spend the money to get it fixed or just live with it? Any advice or suggestions?
Have you tried bouncing the front end up and down with it parked to see if you can hear the nosie. If so, have someone do that while you try to listen to where the location is comming from.
Yes I have done that. No noise heard while bouncing the front end. The only think I can determine is the the noise is coming from the joint at the bottom of the steering column. I’ve wiggled it and it feels a bit loose but not loose enough to come apart.
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