Need more thoughts!!! I have an 83 se. Been tackling a front end clunk for the longest time. First by replacing all the old worn out steering components. Fixed some of the clunks. Then I saw that there was a crack at the frame rail near the steering box (not behind it, just near it.) welded that back up, and added a wonder bar. Fixed another clunk. Then, replaced both the lower ball joints hopping to solve the last clunk. Nope. Then I tightened up the k member Bolts and sure as **** the clunk is gone. But right before I did that, this creak started. It’s coming from the driver side near the steering box. I cannot see any other cracks, I can’t see where the frame rail might be twisting either. I can see the whole thing sways a little bit side to side when someone turns the steering wheel and that’s it.
I only have two thoughts. There is another crack behind the box somewhere, or the frame rail is flexing behind the box towards the driver side and I need to find and install those triangle looking braces from the k member to frame rail. I’m about ready to make this car faster but want to sort out the other stuff first.
When does it creak? Can you have someone else reproduce it while you have your face (safely) up in the steering box area?
I should also add, I laid under the csr at-least 10-15 times, while having someone shake the steering wheel and I can’t pin point the noise other than somewhere around the steering box.
makes sense. I have tried using a mechanic’s stethoscope, the loudest I can hear the creak is on the frame rail near ish the steering box.
figured it out. Fender liner was hitting the k member. I assume front the years of twist. Couple of spot welds has popped. Bent it back. Seems good now, no more sound. I’ll weld it back together this weekend.
