Squeeking noise from front-end

[lvmt]

New member here, just came across this site and would appreciate a little help:

There is a horrible squeeking noise with steering input even without the motor running and it seems to be coming from the driver-front steering system. It's loud enough where I can't easily tell from where. I'm guessing maybe tie-rod end or ball-joint but there's no clunking, just a terrible screeching that sounds like something needs to be lubed and the steering feel is fine. The noise is present when driving over bumps but mostly during steering.

Anybody ever have something like this?

[02n96exploder]

What year Exploder? I know on my 2002 there was an issue with the bushings needing lubed. I belive this was a factory TSB as well.

[molehole]

Hmm. any number of things. Tell us the year for more info. I know the 91-94's had very squeaky radius arm bushings that will drive you nuts.

[waro]

I had similar problem solved by replacing inner tie rod for both sides

[97explorersport]

Try using spray lube or some sort of PB Blaster on the torsion bar mounts at the frame rails. I had a squeek and that took care of it.

[cougarman]

to pinpoint the squeek, get someone to turn steering slightly back and forth or lightly bounce truck ( with engine off ) and while they are duplicating the noise , grab and hold ball joint / tie rod / bushings etc one at a time. You can usually feel the squeek in in the form of a vibration. Once you pinpoint the cause, Replace or lube the component as necessary.

[Jammer2523]

I own a 96 sport...that squeaked like hell going over small bumps or even bouncing it...First and fore most CHECK FOR RECALLS....I had one on mine took it in it ended up being swaybar link bushings....dont try to lube anything with and sparys they just dry up and it'll be back agan soon. Just check for recalls....save you a lil money.

[tkswan]

I have the 2000 Exploder XLS (135k miles). The front end has gotten noisy when driving over driveway entrances, speed bumps, and whenever the road conditions cause the truck to bounce up and down. I bounced the truck manually and was able to repeat the noise. There is no noise, no clunks or bumps when turning the wheels from left to right.

I don't drive it normally but noticetd the noise recently while my wife was LANDING (GEEZ!) in the driveway.

I suspect we both need a good lube job but before I go get one where do I find TSB's or service bulletins (if any) on the suspension components?

Thanks in advance

[shorod]

What kind of noise are you experiencing, the squeek like the subject of this outdated thread, or a clunk?

Ball joints have been an issue and could cause either type of noise. Anti-sway bar end links could cause a clunk. Dry outer tie rod ends have also been an issue with 1990's and early 2000's Fords and will cause a squeek.

Unless you subscribe to AlldataDIY for your truck or search the Internet, you may not be able to find the TSB text unless you have a good relationship with your dealer or a shop that has Alldata or similar software.

-Rod

[tkswan]

yea, yea, yea, I knew the old post comment was coming. Its a low pitch squeak no clunks or bumps. I can rock the bumper up and down and hear it. Its not so loud that it turns heads. It really sounds like it just needs a lube. I dont think its ever been done before. I bought it new in 1999.

[shorod]

I'd suggest you use a small, sharp pick and poke an itsy-bitsy hole in the rubber boot of one of the suspect parts (ball joint, outer tie rod end), then insert the straw from a can of spray white lithium grease and give it a squirt. Practice good scientific experiment here and only do one part at a time. Operate the joint a few times and see if the noise changes or goes away completely. If so, you found the culprit. If not, try another part.

If you find the culprit, plan to replace the part as the grease will just be a temporary solution.

-Rod