I have a 2005 Ford F-150 with a 5.4L V8 engine. Few months ago I started getting this squeaking noise coming from the front tires when I turn the wheel. I took it to the mechanic and he said the ball joints need to be replaced. Do you think it's the only reason why this is happening? If not, what else? The noise is pretty bad and the ball joints have never been replaced before.

Thank you!

 

Check to see if the ball joints have a grease fitting on them. Find a diagram on-line if you need to. Grease them if you can. Listen for noise. A cheap grease gun is not going to set you back much.
New grease will not repair worn ball joints but whould quiet them for a certain amount of time. An alignement guy would know about worn ball joints as the wheel would have too much play and not be, uh, align-able.

What about tie-rod ends? They move when you turn too. Look under there for any torn rubber boots. Grab hold of things and shake them strongly... try to find slop or slack. Grab the top of a tire and push/pull in towards the motor and out again. Feel any slack there?

You sure it's the tires or suspension? My old '90 F150 had a power steering pump that would shriek like a burned cat when I turned the wheel hard over.