1998 Chevy S-10 Tapping/knocking noise under front of car?

1998 CHEVROLET S-10
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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FRANKLIN1
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There is an inconsistant tapping or knocking noise that can be heard (slightly felt) either by the fire wall or under the front of the truck kinda feels at end of steering column or around that area. Usually car needs to be driven for a while before it will do it more. Kind of sounds like something is hanging and will hit something a couple taps then 1 tap (It differs all the time). Can't feel anything wrong with the car really. However after taking the front wheel off there is a really bad wear spot on the inside of the tire. Could it be the sway bar or bearing? Could it be the transmission.
Sep 25, 2009 at 5:05 PM
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MATHIASO
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you have negative camber wearing causing the inside of the tire to wear badly. it control by the position of the control arms or struts.
it usually results from incorrect settings if both front tire are wear inside the same way, but in this case it is only one side, check for a sag spring on that side .
At the alignement shop they will mesure the ride hight and compare to specifications
you probably will need wheel alignement after repair is done/ problem corrected.

Let me know if have more questions
Sep 26, 2009 at 11:00 AM
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FRANKLIN1
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Ok thanks I will check that. But would that cause the noise as well?
Sep 26, 2009 at 11:51 AM
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MATHIASO
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yes it does. there is a SLA (long-and short-arm) suspension and negative camber develops as spring sag with age.
the good thing is that kind of suspension offer more ride confort.
Sep 26, 2009 at 12:49 PM