Hi all,
I have a 2000 pickup, 1500 4x4. The tracking bar was replaced last year. Six months later, a bumping sound appeared when turning at lower speeds. Replaced it again. Six months later, same thing happens. This time we put in a better quality bar. Lol...3 days later, same problem appears. Not only do you get the sound, it feels like a little bump on the floor right under the driver's feet. It has me, and the mechanic who did the work, stumped. We can't spot it hitting anything. Has anybody ever come across this problem? Any ideas what is causing this?

Thanks,
Marty

 

It could be the joint itself at the frame section (right under the driver's feet). There are some companies that offer a one year full warrenty on those bars, I think Napa is one. I would also look into the rest of the front suspension for worn out parts an mis-alignment. This can also cause the track bar to fail prematurely.

 

Well, we got it figured out today when we had it up on the hoist. The stupid bolt that holds the bar in on the passenger side was tight, but we managed to get it even tighter which eliminated the bumping. Howevber, there appears to be some slack between the bolt and sleeve, not sure why, so eventually we think this causes the bolt to slack off a bit giving the bar room to bump. Will try this for now and see what happens. Eventually may have to look for another solution, perhaps a bolt off another truck.

Marty

 

You may want to take a look over on Pirate4x4 forum. I have heard about guys buying some pretty beefy track bars and some other guys building their own.

The slop in the sleeve is probably due to the bolt not being tight enough. I see you replacing this track bar soon. When you do, make sure that you really wrench down on that bolt.

 

I've had many issues with the track bar on my 95 Ram. They usually result in the infamous Dodge Death Wobble. But I am confused, are we really talking about the trailing arms that go from the axle, rearward? Or the lateral track bar that locates the side-to-side movement of the front axle?

 

The lateral bar.

Marty