Intermittent knocking on low speed LH turns

[soldave]

OK, so I've now got a fully filled mission which isn't leaking, filled with Redline 75W90. Also have got a transfer case filled with Heavyweight Shockproof.

In the past few weeks (possibly since the Heavyweight Shockproof fill, but not 100% sure). I've noticed an intermittent noise from the front when I make slow (1st gear) left hand turns. At first I thought it was a tyre hitting some part of the splashguards but they look like they have enough clearance. Also, some times it feels like a knocking. I can't hear the tyres slipping or locking up or anything, but it's that kind of feeling.

Is it a consequence of the Heavyweight Shockproof, or something wrong with the transfer case/mission/front axles, do you think? Am a bit stumped on things to try to narrow down the problem.

Should also add I've lifted both wheels and done the 12 o'clock/6 o'clock and 3 o'clock/9 o'clock wheel tests and the wheel seems solid. It also only seems to be happening when I have my foot on the gas (i.e. not when it's coasting) and usually goes away after 3 clunks or so.

I did notice both lower balljoint boots are busted (one is cracked with no grease in, the other is leaking grease). They'll be replaced ASAP, but I can't really see that being my problem turning.

 

[2wOrLd]

I would begin by inspecting the axles.
They are the most common source or noises while turning at low speeds.
Worst case scenario is the transmission differential being damaged.
A buddy's car was doing the same thing, and after swapping axles several times, we figured out the differential had gone bad.
Hope that's not your case!

 

[soldave]

The boots on the CV joints on both front axles look good, but I know that doesn't count for much.

How else would you suggest I inspect them?

 

[2wOrLd]

Well I couldn't explain it on text hehe , so here's this video

how to check bad cv joint noise on your car, read vid desc. for more - YouTube


You can sometimes do this check accurately without having to pull the axles out.
You will be listening for any popping, cracking or knocking like in the vid.
Hope it helps!

 

[soldave]

Thanks for that. Will give it a look tonight, providing it doesn't all seize up on me today while I'm doing my errands!

 

[2wOrLd]

haha Hopefully not!

 

[soldave]

This is definitely only happening when my foot is on the gas (even a little) and not on decel, or engine coasting, in gear or in neutral.

 

[Aphix]

Inspect the CV joint, all your symptoms point towards that. Engine knock would happen at the same RPM regardless of the speed and taking a left turn wouldn't affect it. Otherwise maybe your engine mounts have deteriorated and are causing the engine to "roll" in the bay and rub on something.

 

[2wOrLd]

I agree with Aphix.
Definitely check those mounts if it is only doing it under acceleration.
By the way, does your steering wheel vibrate when you hear the knock?

 

[soldave]

Not vibrate as such, but sometimes I can kind of feel it. Definitely not doing it when it neutral or coasting.

 

[Aphix]

Putting a load on the CV joint may be causing the grinding, which is why it doesn't do it in neutral or coasting.

 

[soldave]

Bringing this back from the dead, as it's still not been sorted out. And it's actually happening on some right hand turns now too. Always when I am slow (pulling out of a junction or parking spot etc) but putting a little pressure on the accelerator, and always 2-4 clunks and then it stops. Never happens while in neutral or decelerating. Both CV axles have been changed and still making the noise. Heavyweight Shockproof in the transfer case by the way.

The noise and the fact it's happening on both right and left hand turns is making me think it could be the front diff. Anyone else think that I might be onto something with that diagnosis?