Help with Skid Plate

[MITTY]

Since the summer started my front skid plate will make alot of noise.



If I take the front plate off, step on my brakes and turn my wheel the sound is gone but once I put the plate back on and try the same thing I am getting a loud knocking sound.



I thought something was hitting the plate but when I go under the truck and have a friend step on the brakes and turn the wheel, I do not see anything hitting.



I have tighten the plate and even when in the shop I asked them to tighten the bolts.



Any suggestions what I can do to get rid of the knocking sound?



Anyone encounter this problem??



thanks

[normsadler]

Check the bolt holding the front diff on the passengers side. I had the bolt come loose, but luckily found it before it came out. Also check the cross member bolts to see if they are loose. Is the skid plate dented/damaged? I'm not sure how much space is between the steering components and the skid plate, maybe its bumping?

[JL]

Very strange.. sure there's nothing knocking on the skid plate? I know from mine, that it fits TIGHT and there's a good dozen bolts that attach the thing. I just don't see much opportunity for it to be bouncing around and making a racket as long as the bolts are all in place. If something were hitting it though, maybe..



Could also be something in the steering knocking around as many people will attest, the H2s do need their front end work from time to time. Also the diff bolt, I've seen that some loose before as well so definitely something to look at (sooner rather than later) since the consequences of that breaking / falling out are not good!!!

[whitehumh2]

It is not your skidplate. Check your steering shaft, that goes from the firewall to the steering box. Undo the center bolt and separate the 2 halves but do not remove either lower or upper bolts. Slide the upper sleeve in and out about a dozen times then reassembled the shaft. The grease needs to be redistributed. You will need to do this every couple of months or so. Caution: wrap your seat belt through your steering wheel and then to the latch before you unbolt it, IF the steering turns freely when disconnected you can blow the airbag.



Try it and let us know!



Kev