1996 explorer makes noise when turning

[dude6]

Yesterday my 96 explorer started making a noise when I turn the steering wheel. The noise is in the area of the front right tire, It actually sounds like the tire is rubbing something. but I checked that,It makes the sound when you turn right or left or just move the steering wheel back and forth

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

From your short description, it sounds like you might have a dry ball joint or tie rod end. You might want to try applying white lithium grease to various joints like I suggest here.

-Rod

[Bonzo22]

I agree with shorod, it sounds like a ball joint issue. My '96 Explorer had the same sound last year. It turned out to be my right upper ball joint. I wound up changing both sides. When one goes the other will soon follow. Good luck.

[dude6]

I shot grease in the rubber boots last week, didnt seem to help. Today I took a can of kroil and lubed the top of the shock and every moving part I could see by the wheel and took it for about a 60 mile drive and the noise stopped, but after the car set for while the noise seems to be returning but so far not as bad, So now what do you suspect ? it also makes the noise when the car hits bumps or i push down on the bumper.
Dude

[shorod]

Well, since you sprayed everything at once, it's hard to tell. You need to spray one item at a time to narrow this down. I trust you've checked for looseness in the steering and suspension components and everything is tight. With everything tight, that should mean you safely have ample time to try lubing just one thing at a time to determine the source.

-Rod

[dude6]

Everything is tight, and today there is no noise. The temperature is 55 today, Could warm and cold weather be affecting something?

[shorod]

Yes, I'm still leaning towards a dry joint. They expand and contract in the changing temperatures.

-Rod