[Adrienne]

Hello~

This is the first time I have done this so I hope I am doing it right. I am a new Nitro owner. Just bought my 07 SXT on May 14th. I love it! I have noticed one problem that began about a month ago and has been getting significantly worse. It makes a pop when the wheel is turned. It doesn't matter if it is turned to the left or right it does it equally for both sides. Two weird things, one, the pop can be heard and felt in the steering wheel and in the pedals, two, it is not heard outside the vehicle, only on the inside. When I try to look up what the issue may be the number one thing that pops up is the CV axles, but Im pretty sure that is a noise you hear outside the vehicle, at the tires. I had my husband get behind the wheel and turn the wheel both left and right as I stuck my head by the tires and did not hear a single pop, as he is telling me he can hear it inside. I am wondering if it is something in the steering column itself that is making the noise. Does anyone have any idea what it could be? Has anyone else had this issue with their Nitro? I would like to have a general idea of what it may be before I take it somewhere so I can not only be prepared for the cost but also so I dont get given a line of bull of what it is and pay an arm and leg to fix it.

 

[Metaldog]

Welcome to the forum! Good to have you here. Enjoy!

BTW... Post a pic of your Nitro when you can! Stop by the "Newbie Check-In" section and introduce yourself when you get the chance to.

In regard to the popping noise you described, it could be a CV joint. However, a bad CV joint is usually heard/felt when wheel is turned to the side of the bad CV joint. i.e if left side joint is bad, then it will be more pronounced during a left hand turn. And vice versa for the right side.

I am inclined to think (without seeing in person) that your issue may be with needing new tie rod ends (most likely), and/or needing new ball joints. Have you had new struts/shocks put on the vehicle recently? Or any kind of front end work done? The problem could be in the drivetrain (CV Joint), but it could also be in the suspension (tie rod, ball joint, etc).

 

[Adrienne]

Welcome to the forum! Good to have you here. Enjoy!

BTW... Post a pic of your Nitro when you can! Stop by the "Newbie Check-In" section and introduce yourself when you get the chance to.

In regard to the popping noise you described, it could be a CV joint. However, a bad CV joint is usually heard/felt when wheel is turned to the side of the bad CV joint. i.e if left side joint is bad, then it will be more pronounced during a left hand turn. And vice versa for the right side.

I am inclined to think (without seeing in person) that your issue may be with needing new tie rod ends (most likely), and/or needing new ball joints. Have you had new struts/shocks put on the vehicle recently? Or any kind of front end work done? The problem could be in the drivetrain (CV Joint), but it could also be in the suspension (tie rod, ball joint, etc).

I


Thank you so much for responding! The only thing that has been done since I bought it is replacing the main belt in the front (the one that connects power steering, a/c, etc) Other than that I have not done anything to it.

 

[Adrienne]

Now that I think about it I wanna say that they replaced the ball joints before I bought it. I requested that they put all new tires on it because the ones that were on it were starting to look worn. I am pretty sure he said that they also decided to replace the ball joints. Unfortunately, because it was done before paperwork was signed, I personally don't have a record of it so I am not 100% sure but I know they replaced something when they put the new tires on. Unfortunately, it did not come with a warranty.

 

[Metaldog]

Since you mentioned hearing the noise while turning the steering wheel, this is why I thought it may be the tie rod ends. But again, having not seen it in person, I may be wrong.

I would suggest (if you are not mechanically inclined) that you take it to a reputable shop or trusted mechanic, and have them do a vehicle inspection with a test drive. They should notice any issues you may have and also be able to make preventative maintenance recommendations to you. Also, since you mentioned hearing the noise while turning the steering wheel, this is why I thought it may be the tie rod ends.

Trying to help.

 

[Adrienne]

I know and I thank you tremendously. I have been doing some research and it looks like it may be the steering shaft. It doesnt specifically mention it in a Nitro but it does say it is common in a Dodge. It says that alot of the times it is just dry steering shaft and it just needs the joints greased. I just dont know if it something I want to try to do myself or if a shop will do it or just insist that it needs a new one which is of course around $260 just for the part. I will definitely take it to a shop this weekend and see what they say. Thanks so much!

 

[Metaldog]

Well, Adrienne, I know that in older Dodge (1970's-1990's) the steering column u-joints (near the steering gear box) were a weak point in the steering. Over time they would seize or snap (and pop), but I've not heard of any significant steering issues like that with newer model vehicles. Not to say that that isn't the problem, just not likely. Regardless, best to have it looked at.

 

[Scar0]

Welcome to the forum Adrienne.

When you have a chance, head over to the Newbie Section and say "Hi".
Tell us a little about yourself and your ride.
That way we can welcome you all proper like.

Guess what? My 07 Nitro does the exact same thing! It has been doing it for 2 years now. I have just been too lazy to pull apart the steering column to check out the U joints on it (Bad Me!).
Mine is not loud, just a small clicking sound & feeling in the steering wheel.

 

[7UDO]

Aye!!


Mine had start popping-clunking a month ago, I excluded brake pads and rotors.. and suspensions...


It seems something in rear axle (maybe on right side) it happens more at low speeds, especially during parking and slow maneuvers... it's a bad sound..
I can reproduce it accelerating first + releasing the pedal after a second... "Clunk"

I can feel it on whole car... pedals, steering.... in the whole truc's frame (


I had not check the rear axle oil yet ( I changed it with castrol 50.000 kms ago)

 

[The07goat]

He I’m new to the site I have a 07 nitro 3.7L 4x4 I’ve had a popping sound in the front for about 2 years. Last year I replaced both cv axles. I still have the same popping noise. Even if it’s driving straight and noise doesn’t get worse if I turn left or right. The selector switch is fine I hear it working. It does get a lot loader when In 4x4. Any other ideas as to what it could be