Anyone get light "clunking" felt in the steering wheel going over bumps?

[Kmc0929]

2021 F150 40K Miles 4X4 Hybrid

When going over smaller bumps under 45mph, or down gravel roads I can feel (not hear) a clunking in the steering wheel. Problem persists in 4H. Truck DOES have a 2" level kit.

I've checked torque on all of the bolts that were used to install the level kit and everything is tight. Took it to the dealership and they couldn't replicate / said things looked fine.

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[HammaMan]

Check your steering wheel shaft itself. Someone posted about having a loose one and dealer couldn't locate it.

 

[Kmc0929]

Check your steering wheel shaft itself. Someone posted about having a loose one and dealer couldn't locate it.

yeah so I can see the shaft while looking down into the engine bay, where would you check to see if its loose?

 

[Kmc0929]

Checked the IN CAB portion of the steering shaft that is down by your feet. the 10MM nut/bolt was tight so nothing seems to be loose down there. Anything on the shaft down in the engine bay to check?

 

[Ford Motor Company]

2021 F150 40K Miles 4X4 Hybrid

When going over smaller bumps under 45mph, or down gravel roads I can feel (not hear) a clunking in the steering wheel. Problem persists in 4H. Truck DOES have a 2" level kit.

I've checked torque on all of the bolts that were used to install the level kit and everything is tight. Took it to the dealership and they couldn't replicate / said things looked fine.

Hello! Send us a private message with your VIN and current mileage. Allow me to see what I can do to assist. Thanks!

 

[HDT05]

I have a similar thing happening. I've been able to isolate it to the front end somewhere and haven't worked out if it's a suspension mount or exhaust moving.

Mine is easy to replicate when I drive only the front wheels over a speed hump/traffic calmer...

 

[Kmc0929]

Anyone else have this issue able to pinpoint what’s loose?

 

[{tpc}]

Does it start out this way, or after some time it begins? Check tie rod ends anyway, I had a loose one from the factory, would only present itself after 15 min of driving.

 

[Kmc0929]

Not very dependent on drive times, it's always there in that 15-45 mpg range, REALLY clear if you're on a gravel road.

Again it just feels like the steering shaft is loose somewhere or the bushing has worn out.

Dealership looked at the suspension (not sure if they looked at the shaft) and said everything was tight and in good order. I feel confident something in the shaft or the shaft's u-joint is loose.

 

[REDRAGN]

I have a 2" spacer lift on the front of my 24 STX and experience this same "clunk."

I have checked all the things listed here and found nothing.

I'm installing some Bilstein 6112 in the front on Thursday and will be interested to see of there is any change. I'll report back...

 

[{tpc}]

Not very dependent on drive times, it's always there in that 15-45 mpg range, REALLY clear if you're on a gravel road.

Again it just feels like the steering shaft is loose somewhere or the bushing has worn out.

Dealership looked at the suspension (not sure if they looked at the shaft) and said everything was tight and in good order. I feel confident something in the shaft or the shaft's u-joint is loose.

Yes I think my dealer went through the hassle of ordering a new steering shaft, though I don't recall if they replaced it or not, when they found the loose tie rod end. I think it really had them stumped, because I was driving a loaner for a few days.

I think there is something special they can use on the suspension to diagnose the issue, but for the life of me I can't recall the name at the moment. But mine was more of a faint sound I could hear than it was a "feeling" if I remember correctly.

 

[MHarvey]

Maybe similar to this problem? i just remembered this thread from awhile back.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...teering-wheel-thumping-tapping-feeling.22346/

 

[Scot Maurer]

Its the sway bar end links. Mine does the same thing.

 

[Kmc0929]

Its the sway bar end links. Mine does the same thing.

as I recall these are fairly easy to replace, did you change yours out and did the problem go away? replace with OEM?

 

[REDRAGN]

Ok, here's my update.

I removed the OEM front struts with Rough Country 2" spacer and replaced with 6112.

My clunk is gone.

My front left OE strut was leaking heavily with only 8K miles on it.

Was that the issue? I cant say for sure. I just know its gone now

Additionally, I checked the swaybar links and ball joints/tierods before I disassembled and didn't find anything loose.

Just wanted to update y'all.

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