Pop in my steering

[iLmn8er]

Hello everyone. I have an intermittent issue where my steering will make an audible pop that sounds like something is binding. I can feel it through the floorboards as well. Oddly enough it tends to do it after breaking like pulling into a parking lot and I turn to back into the spot. Its early into the turn and only pops once. If im parked I can turn my truck nonstop in both directions and all works as it should.

2021 TB
33" tires and a leveling kit is the only upgrades done to the truck.

Appreciate any insight

 

[PistolsFiring]

Is it just a noise, or felt in the steering? Might check this thread, OP mentions it sounds up front but actually was coming from the rear:

Metallic "click" sound coming from the rear end area

So my 2021 Chevy Silverado LT Trail boss 4x4 that has 22,000 miles has developed this random clicking sound that has progressively been getting worse over the last 3,000 miles. I had it at the dealer twice and they haven’t been able to figure it out. So I’ve placed my GoPro in different...

www.trailboss.org

 

[iLmn8er]

Is it just a noise, or felt in the steering? Might check this thread, OP mentions it sounds up front but actually was coming from the rear:

Metallic "click" sound coming from the rear end area

So my 2021 Chevy Silverado LT Trail boss 4x4 that has 22,000 miles has developed this random clicking sound that has progressively been getting worse over the last 3,000 miles. I had it at the dealer twice and they haven’t been able to figure it out. So I’ve placed my GoPro in different...

www.trailboss.org

Read the thread and watched the video. That unfortunately isnt the same sound I have. And yes, I can feel it in the steeringand floorboard. Its definitely more of a "clunk" or pop. Thank you for sharing though. Sincerely appreciate it

 

[iLmn8er]

Video of the noise

 

[Keller]

Does it do it with wheels turned one way or both?

Do you have stock tires, offset, and lift?

Are your tires catching something in the wheel well?

Have someone else recreate the noise while you SAFELY walk alongside the truck.

 

[mrcolieman]

Check your upper ball joints!!! If you leveled the truck and didn't upgrade the upper control arms, the upper ball joints have a tendency to fail catastrophically. As above have someone walk along side and at walking speed steer/hit the brakes forward and backward. If the tire/wheel moves in the wheel well forward or backwards you have a problem. If it's not the ball joints check the tie rod ends and then put a torque wrench on every bolt and nut in the front suspension and tighten all to spec.

 

[PHXPHOTOG]

Mine did that. To check it, put the front wheels against a curb enough that there is some pressure against them when you turn the wheel. It may go pop, pop, pop. The dealer ended up replacing the entire steering assembly. These trucks have belt driven steering.

 

[Stormin08]

 

[Jmzvet]

Check the sway bar links. Might be over extended / weird angle because of the
level-lift. I installed longer links on my 2021 from a 2023 TB I believe. Under $50 for the pair.

 

[mrcolieman]

definitely post the problem when diagnosed. those of us that have spun the wheel of "guess the cause" want to know!

 

[PHXPHOTOG]

"A 2021 Chevrolet Silverado uses a belt-driven electric power steering (EPS) rack and pinion system. This electronic design means it does not use a traditional hydraulic power steering pump or fluid. "

System Details

• 
  
• 
  
• • Assist Type: Electric motor mounted directly to the steering rack.
  • Control: Managed by an integrated Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) that senses steering input and vehicle speed.
  Dealer said my steering system was failing and was popping. They replaced the whole system, whatever that means.
  I heard the first pop when I parked against a normal parking stop and straightened the wheels. I could recreate the pops by pulling the front tires up to anything lile a curb and turning the wheel with a little pressure against the tires.

 

[iLmn8er]

Checked everything with a buddy thats a experienced mechanic. Took it on a test drive and made the pop but it was slight. Took it back to his shop where we jacked the front up and checked all of the bolts/nuts/joints/bearings and everything seemed as it should. The one thing the looks off is the alignment plate on the driver side. The passenger side it is placed in the middle of the plate where the drivers side is maxed out. As I was backing up in his shop it made the normal loud pop. We tried to recreate the pop but spent 30+ min trying with no luck.

Really scratching my head with this one. Steering box, ujoints, bearings and joints all seem to be good to go but there is movement that is interment causing the pop.