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

FRANKLIN1

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET S-10
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

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.

3 Replies

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

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