Struts

Can Any One Tell Me What The Creaking Noise Is From The Frt End Of 95 Windsatr.. Sounds At The Top Of Frt Left Strut Only Caused By Steering

Welcome wgm. For us to help you you must be much more specific. Please elaborate. If you can make the car make the sound by either stomping on the bumper, or, in "park", with the engine running, turning the steering wheel, then You, my friend, can diagnose this problem with only a 3 foot length of tubing and a 10 year old (or older) partner. The tubing (I prefer fuel line), acts as a stethascope. Stick one end of the tube in your ear, and have the partner either stomp the bumper or turn the steering wheel to create the noise, while you home in on exactly where it's coming from! Let us know what you find out.

Could be a dry ball joint, worn anti-sway bar end link or strut tower bushing. You can grease the (sealed) ball joints by poking a grease needle thru the ball joint boot. Many of us have had good luck with that.
G/luck
Joel

Hi WGM

I haven't had this problem (yet), but I can tell you that at the top of the strut assembly there is a bearing/seal. I believe it allows the strut assembly to rotate with steering input. To change it requires removal or the strut as it "caps" the sturt/spring assembly. If you are going to go that deep, change the struts too....and please be careful with those springs. Get the proper spring compressors to do the job, or carry the struts in to a shop to get them changed out.

Best of luck

Hi WGM

I haven't had this problem (yet), but I can tell you that at the top of the strut assembly there is a bearing/seal. I believe it allows the strut assembly to rotate with steering input. To change it requires removal or the strut as it "caps" the sturt/spring assembly. If you are going to go that deep, change the struts too....and please be careful with those springs. Get the proper spring compressors to do the job, or carry the struts in to a shop to get them changed out.

Best of luck

ok.. i think it's the top of the strut too..... can that bearing be changed... i would peferr to just chg that, if posible the struts are otherwise good...

[QUOTE=wgm]ok.. i think it's the top of the strut too..... can that bearing be changed... i would peferr to just chg that, if posible the struts are otherwise good.. thxwgm

I agree with the advice on the grease needle.
You can buy one at most auto parts stores.

I would recommend injecting a small amount into the inner and outer tie rod ends, and the lower ball joints.
This is the only way to get some lubrication in there.

Only put a small amount in.....the grease does come out the needle faster than one would think.

This will extend the life of these components....and avoid additional load on your power steering.

Hi, you asked:


i think it's the top of the strut too..... can that bearing be changed... i would peferr to just chg that, if posible the struts are otherwise good.. thxwgm


Sure it is possible to change out just that part, however you will have to pull things apart just as far as you would to replace the struts. So, depending on mileage I simply suggested you replace the struts as well.

Good Luck

Can Any One Tell Me What The Creaking Noise Is From The Frt End Of 95 Windsatr.. Sounds At The Top Of Frt Left Strut Only Caused By Steering

TSB 02-13-2

07/08/02

^ SUSPENSION - GRUNTING/POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING

^ NOISE - GRUNTING/POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING

FORD:
1995-2002 WINDSTAR

ISSUE
Some vehicles may exhibit a grunting/popping noise coming from the front suspension at speeds below 20 MPH (32 KM/H) when turning. This may be caused by contact between the rubber coated outer rim of the upper spring seat bearing and seal assembly at the underside of the shock tower sheet metal. Colder weather could result in this rubbing noise being more noticeable.

ACTION
Install 2F2Z-18A027-BA spacers between the front strut assembly mounting bracket and the strut tower. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.