Knocking sound in front right when turning

DYLAN JACKSON 123

MEMBER
2002 DODGE DAKOTA
200,000 MILES

Not quite sure what is wrong, but I think there may be a problem with the four wheel drive on my vehicle (listed above). There is a loud knocking sound but only happens when I am turning it seems like, but I think it is in the front right portion of the truck. If anyone might know what is wrong please let me know. Thanks

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

A bad CV joint will cause a clicking noise when turning. Take a look at this link. It discusses symptoms of a bad CV joing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

If you find the joint is the problem, here are the directions for replacing the entire half shaft, which contains both inner and outer joints:

2002 Dodge or Ram Truck Dakota 4WD V6-3.9L VIN X
Vehicle � Transmission and Drivetrain � Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints � Axle Shaft Assembly � Axle Shaft � Service and Repair � Axle Half Shaft
AXLE HALF SHAFT
Removal and Installation - Front Axle Half Shaft
REMOVAL
Raise the vehicle. See: MaintenanceVehicle LiftingService and Repair
Remove wheel and tire assembly. See: MaintenanceWheels and TiresService and Repair
Remove the skid plate, if equipped.
Remove cotter pin, nut lock, and spring washer from the stub shaft.
Remove hub nut and washer from the stub shaft.
Remove brake caliper and rotor. See: Brakes and Traction ControlDisc Brake System
Remove ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped. See: Brakes and Traction ControlAntilock Brakes / Traction Control SystemsWheel Speed SensorService and Repair
Remove hub bearing bolts and hub bearing from the knuckle (Fig.1).
Support half shaft at the C/V joint housings.
Position two pry bars behind the inner C/V housing and disengage the C/V joint from the axle.
Remove half shaft from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
Apply a light coating of wheel bearing grease on the axle splines.
Insert half shaft stub through the steering knuckle and onto the axle. Verify shaft snap-ring engages with the groove on the inside of the joint housing.
Clean hub bearing bore and hub bearing mating surface of all foreign materials. Apply light coating of grease to all mating surfaces.
Install hub bearing onto the axle half shaft and steering knuckle.
Install hub bearing bolts and tighten to specifications.
Install ABS wheel speed sensor, if equipped.
Install brake rotor and caliper.
Apply the brakes and tighten hub nut to 244 Nm (180 ft. lbs.) .
Install spring washer, nut lock and cotter pin.
Install skid plate, if equipped.
Install wheel and tire assembly.

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Considering the miles on the truck, if it has not been replaced, chances are that is the problem.

I hope you find this helpful. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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