steering wheel pop

[GATICA]

Hi all I've been a long time member of Clubfrontier.org and met one of nicoclubs' moderators and the dealership that i have been getting my truck serviced at.

I have an anoying popping sound comig from the steering wheel. Has anyone had this issue with their truck?

Little background I have a 06 NISMO Frontier 4X4 41K miles Crew

My dealer replaced the steering knuckle thinking that was the noise issue but it is still there however the steering did tighten up which was a nice bonus.

The noise is at the 10 and 2 position if the wheel is turned from dead center. The faster you move the wheel the more pronounced it is. Sounds like a "POP" noise. Are there bearings in the wheel? Could they go bad?

[Rev_D21]

Could be, or could be bad steering u-joint. Could also be a bad spot in the rack. Lift the front and listen while someone turns the wheel back and forth.

[GATICA]

I had all the steering components checked while it was at the dealer and they thought it was the knuckle.

Some of the other fourms are referencing the bearings.....

I'll keep checking i need to get a oil change in a few weeks so i would like to have this addressed when i take it in next.

[RT]

Buy a hardbody, that is 15 yrs old, never had any of those problems ...:P

[GATICA]

i considered that but the plans i have for the 4.0 and the size upgrade sold me.

[GATICA]

just want to get a fresh set of eyes on this.

Here is whats happening:

sitting still turn the wheel to the 10 or 2 position you hear a click or pop sound. if i drive on a smoth surface same noise.

gravel drive or a potted dirt lot like at a baseball field the steering wheel rattels like its about to fall off. I have to keep it a little right between the 12:30 and 1 position during normal driving.

Any ideas whats wrong?