Very loud cracking sound when turning???

[CakeEater]

Hi all,

I have a 2001 Frontier 4x4 and I have a little issue that is driving me crazy.

When I am at full steering lock either left or right and moving slowly (in a parking lot) there is a very loud banging/cracking sound as the wheels turn. I find that it is much worse if I'm turning left. If you put it into 4WD and turn the same way it feels as if the truck is surging forward and the banging/cracking sound is brutal.

I had a very long look at all the suspension components and driveshafts but I found nothing out of normal. My CV boots are in perfect condition with no rips.

P.S. I try to never steer full lock because of this problem in case there is a something major issue with it.

Any advice as to what is causing this is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Modified by CakeEater at 10:39 AM 3/18/2009
Modified by CakeEater at 10:40 AM 3/18/2009

[Rev_D21]

Lube the stops.

[RT]

yep my 2 wd hardbody had worn through the plastic stop bumpers and was metal on metal and sounded BAD. went to lowes got 2 plastic cops that go over metal rods to cover sharp jagged ends. 2 bucks and put some with lithium grease on them and it is all fixed.

[CakeEater]

After I read what the good priest "D" wrote I went to the dealership and got new caps. Total cost to fix this problems that has been driving me crazy...$7.37.I love it when its cheap to fix things.

Thank you very much for the help.

[FINNMERCHANT]

pictures would be great