Front end rattle/cluck noise

I've recently noticed that when I go over bumps.....like washboard on a gravel road or railroad tracks that i'm getting this rattle/cluck type noise. I recently got new shocks and pitman arm so i've ruled that out.

My question is what could be loose/worn out that would cause this. I know it could be a ton of things, but if anyone has any ideas that could point me in the right direction that would be great. Thanks in advance

Check your steering shaft. Been known to wear. Search this forum---you'll find this topic has been covered here. Had mine replaced on my '03 just recently.

I did a search for that and it sounds like you get noise/cluck when you turn. I'm not getting any when I turn.....it's only when I go over bumps as I described in my first post.

If I try to shake it would it move? Or could it be something else?

You might be able to move it ever so little. The shaft should be a good tight fit due to the spline on the shaft ends. Mine was more noticeable when turning correct, but if my memory serves me I think I remember being able to feel it through the steering wheel as well. Are you able to feel movement through yours? That may help narrow the choices. May want to jack up the front end and check your ball joints for excessive play too. Hope this helps.

intermediate steering shaft. My wife had hers repaired/replaced (2002 Suburban) twice in about 12,000 miles.

If your ball joints are good I still vote for the steering shaft due to the fact that it is a known problem. Mine went out at about 27,000 miles. I believe I read some where that there was a flaw in the metallergy of the shaft and GM has since changed suppliers/design too.

Well I checked out the shaft and it forsure has a lot of play in it and it sounds just like the noise i'm hearing. Thanks for the advice Lou S!

Does anyone have the GM part number for the steering shaft for a 99 Tahoe LT?

Is this a fairly simple thing to do yourself?

Check this out:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=26037

I asked gm parts direct if they had the part number and they asked if it's the upper,lower or coupler. Is it the lower? It's the one that connects to the sector and where i'm feeling the play in.