single knock when at slow speed

Hi all first off my disoc is a 1996 300tdi manual. Right ok when turning at very slow speed ie pulling into a space, or turning left or right at a junction, there is a loud clung/bang but only one, then another when the steering is centred again. There is no clicking like a cv would make. It can be felt through the steering, could it be a failed track rod end?

Could be, there's one way to find out

Hi Alex, the first thing I would be doing is to check the steering shaft in the engine bay. It's the one that goes from the steering wheel and connects to the steering box. It has two U/j's on it which sometimes seize up and give the symptoms you describe.

Verify this is the problem then soak the U/j's in oil and leave overnight. Work the wheel back and forth and the seized joint will ease off.

discool said:

Could be, there's one way to find out

Click to expand...

cheers discool

thebiglad said:

Hi Alex, the first thing I would be doing is to check the steering shaft in the engine bay. It's the one that goes from the steering wheel and connects to the steering box. It has two U/j's on it which sometimes seize up and give the symptoms you describe.

Verify this is the problem then soak the U/j's in oil and leave overnight. Work the wheel back and forth and the seized joint will ease off.

Click to expand...

cheers for the info pal i'll take alook in the moring

alex8882 said:

cheers for the info pal i'll take a look in the morning

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If you jack up both front wheels of the ground and the steering still clicks, it's almost certainly a seized steering shaft U/j.

I has the same problem, never sorted it

Ok so i've checked the steering u/j's and there all good. Checked the track rod ends. Replaced the ball joints from the dropper arm, to the passenger side hub. Knock is still there. It does it without the engine running, and just by rocking the steering you can hear it. Sounds and feels like its coming from the steering box. Got my mate to watch as i rocked the steering, and he said it looks like the lower bearing has given up as the shaft seems to have alot of side play when its turning. I'm guessing the 33"x12.5x15 mud tyres i've fitted have something to do with it?

Ha, now if u had said I have 33"x12.5x15 mud tyres fitted I would have said look at the steering box output shaft bearing for side play.

A replacement now box required then? Alex

found the seal kit however a bearing and seal kit seems to be alittle hardder to track in the uk.

discool said:

Ha, now if u had said I have 33"x12.5x15 mud tyres fitted I would have said look at the steering box output shaft bearing for side play.

A replacement now box required then? Alex

Click to expand...

If i can find a bearing and seal kit i'll refurb what i have failing that then yep recon box. no point in buying a second hand unit as it could be just as bad. Maybe some 31's aswell lol

ok confused now, as the sound isn't present today, however i have found play between the drive flange plate and the halfshaft