Popping noise between bed and cab when bouncing / turning

[TX87R10]

It's not terribly bad but I get a sound of either metal hitting metal or a "popping" noise when hitting fairly normal bumps and an almost popping sound when taking a turn with an elevation change.

I thought at first the bed was hitting the cab but there is plenty of clearance. The noise does seem to come from right behind the drivers seat but it's difficult to tell exactly where since I can only recreate it while I am driving.

Is there anything that needs some grease in that area? Perhaps something that a power washer might have removed? Or anything to check first? I've not taken the bed off before so I'm not sure of where the contact points are and I don't see anything that looks like it would be touching even in a turn.

 

[Dave M]

Perhaps have a look under and behind the seat itself ? noise transmission is a funny thing. I work in the A/C trade and you get the calls for noises in the ceiling. Alas, when you get there there is no noise present. You check the obvious, but they look at you bewildered when you can't find it. If you can't hear it how can you trace it. Unless the noise has now become a dead rat.

 

[climb-101]

start with simple things like u-joints and broken/loose motor/tranny mounts.

 

[jake wells]

worn out rear shock mounts on the rear axle can cause popping on turns.

 

[Grit dog]

Possible worn out cab mount or bed mount, since it does it when the frame "twists" a bit, based on your description?

 

[TX87R10]

Perhaps have a look under and behind the seat itself ? noise transmission is a funny thing. I work in the A/C trade and you get the calls for noises in the ceiling. Alas, when you get there there is no noise present. You check the obvious, but they look at you bewildered when you can't find it. If you can't hear it how can you trace it. Unless the noise has now become a dead rat.

It could definitely be inside like that but I don't see anything obvious that would be making any noise.

 

[TX87R10]

worn out rear shock mounts on the rear axle can cause popping on turns.

The rear driver side shock is pretty worn out but the mounts don't seem like they are bad enough to cause noise. Definitely need to get some new shocks on here though so I'll have them double check.

 

[TX87R10]

Possible worn out cab mount or bed mount, since it does it when the frame "twists" a bit, based on your description?

I was thinking something like that but the truck is saggy so I haven't gotten under it too far but I didn't see a mount there. I bet it's above the gas tank (I've got dual tanks)

 

[TX87R10]

Checked the cab / bed mounts that I could find and verified the rubber is still there and it feels in good shape. Checked the exhaust too and everything seemed nice and secure.

Going to have to pony up and get some ramps to check the motor and tranny mounts but I'll be doing that next.

 

[Swearbody]

Have you checked the gas tank straps. Ive seen a k10 that one of the two rusted out and start allowing the tank to move around. Never heard it but then it made a lot of noises all over

 

[rt66paul]

did you check the driveshaft and center support?

 

[gmc2u]

On some well used or abused trucks the tailgate will rattle & bang on bumpy roads. Easy check, take it off & run the same road. Might check leaf springs & bushings. Worn out could make strange noises. Bed bolts loose?

 

[80BrownK10]

Possible worn out cab mount or bed mount, since it does it when the frame "twists" a bit, based on your description?

This is what I was thinking

 

[TX87R10]

Have you checked the gas tank straps. Ive seen a k10 that one of the two rusted out and start allowing the tank to move around. Never heard it but then it made a lot of noises all over

That's a pretty good idea, the left tank feels like it is blocking where the noise comes from I hadn't thought to check that the strap is in good shape and not the cause of the issue. Will check.

did you check the driveshaft and center support?

The driveshaft looks like it is pretty good shape, I didn't see anything that gave me concern. I'll need to check up on what the center support is to be sure that I checked that though

On some well used or abused trucks the tailgate will rattle & bang on bumpy roads. Easy check, take it off & run the same road. Might check leaf springs & bushings. Worn out could make strange noises. Bed bolts loose?

Yeah the tailgate definitely has seen better days I hadn't thought of that. Oddly the noise seems to not be nearly as noticeable lately so maybe I should trying checking if the tailgate doesn't fully latch maybe if it occurs.

The leaf springs and bushings were the first thing I went and had checked and they said they looked good.

 

[87scotty]

This is what I was thinking

same! my rubbers look good as well but the mount will lift off the frame lol one day ill get them fixed hopefully before the cab falls off