Knocking sound when moving tire side to side?

2007 CHEVROLET UPLANDER
194,000 MILES • 3.9L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
When I turn the tire side to side there's a knocking sound where the inner tie rod meets the rack. Rack is about a year and a half old and is not leaking at the rubber boots. I put new struts about 2 years ago and new CV axles a few days ago, because when I turn the steering wheel from lock to lock with the vehicle on the ground, I hear a clicking sound.
Jul 2, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

I watched your videos. I can't see the inner tie rod, but that is what appears is moving. Put the phone in a location where you can see both the inner and outer tie rods to see if that is where it's moving.

Try that and let me know what you find.

Joe
Jul 2, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Avatar
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
In the second video, the inner tie rod is in the top part of the video. It is moving just where the tie rod meets the rack. The thing is that I disconnected the outer tie rod ends from the knuckle and I tried to check for play by pushing in and pulling out the tie rods and they didn't move by hand. But when the tires are on and I move them side to side, there is movement along with that knocking sound.
Jul 2, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Yes, I can see the inner tie rod needs to be replaced, this is a common problem, here is an image that can help. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
Jul 6, 2025 at 9:58 AM