Popping noise coming from front of vehicle

[Newport Beach Vince]

I have a 2008 Yukon, 2 wheel drive, with about 110,000 miles, and have started hearing a popping noise in the front end of the vehicle. It started out as what I thought was only happening on right hand turns, only once in a while when I would first leave on a short trip.

But now, after a recent longer road trip (~250 miles), it appears to be happening more and at random times, usually at slow speeds, and not necessarily when turning, but even while driving straight.

Because I thought it was only happening on turns, I thought it might be something with the suspension, but now that it’s happening while driving straight and not over any bumps or potholes, I am thinking something more like motor or transmission mounts? Leaning more toward motor because the sound does seem to occur towards the front of the vehicle rather than where the transmission is.

Looking for advice as how to proceed. If it’s something simple, then I’d like to tackle the problem. But if it’s more of a job for a mechanic, then I’d like to at least be armed with some info so as not to get taken for other unnecessary charges.

 

[Bill 1960]

Could be many things. Ball joints, control arm bushing, anti roll bar bushings... or motor mounts.

YouTube is full of how to videos that will explain how to diagnose and fix those things much better than I can explain it.

All of those any decent DIY person can fix, motor mounts being the most difficult. Front end stuff is easy.

PS- if it’s motor mounts it will correlate to when you accelerate or decelerate using engine braking. Suspension will correlate to road irregularities.

 

[Aeterna]

Check your front wheel bearings for play, they would go out around that mileage. Also, at a stop hold your brake down and give it about 1500 rpm and see if you feel the clunk or see movement in the hood. This would indicate motor mount which is common for the driver side I believe.

when checking your wheel bearings you can also check your upper and lower ball joints for play at the tire. For our suspension I believe you have to put load at the strut to check the ball joints.

 

[swathdiver]

I have a 2008 Yukon, 2 wheel drive, with about 110,000 miles, and have started hearing a popping noise in the front end of the vehicle. It started out as what I thought was only happening on right hand turns, only once in a while when I would first leave on a short trip.

But now, after a recent longer road trip (~250 miles), it appears to be happening more and at random times, usually at slow speeds, and not necessarily when turning, but even while driving straight.

Because I thought it was only happening on turns, I thought it might be something with the suspension, but now that it’s happening while driving straight and not over any bumps or potholes, I am thinking something more like motor or transmission mounts? Leaning more toward motor because the sound does seem to occur towards the front of the vehicle rather than where the transmission is.

Looking for advice as how to proceed. If it’s something simple, then I’d like to tackle the problem. But if it’s more of a job for a mechanic, then I’d like to at least be armed with some info so as not to get taken for other unnecessary charges.

Welcome Vince, check everything mentioned by the other guys AND the two bushings that secure the power steering unit to the frame. My guess is that you have either lower control arm bushings coming apart or the rubber bushings on the sway bar have rotted and fallen off by now. If you are still not sure, post some photos for us, some of the fellas here are know these things better than their wives!

 

[qcon]

Take a look at your sway bar end links. If you’ve never replaced them, the bushings are probably falling apart. Easy to replace on your driveway.

 

[Newport Beach Vince]

Take a look at your sway bar end links. If you’ve never replaced them, the bushings are probably falling apart. Easy to replace on your driveway.

Bingo! Thanks a ton! This is the problem. And on both sides too! I'll be replacing tomorrow. Saw a couple of videos and looks fairly straight forward.

 

[Newport Beach Vince]

Welcome Vince, check everything mentioned by the other guys AND the two bushings that secure the power steering unit to the frame. My guess is that you have either lower control arm bushings coming apart or the rubber bushings on the sway bar have rotted and fallen off by now. If you are still not sure, post some photos for us, some of the fellas here are know these things better than their wives!

Yup, sway bar bar links. Thanks. Replacing tomorrow.