I have a 97 F150 4X4 w/ 75,000 miles on the clock that I have owned for almost a year. Recently I started hearing a squeak coming from the front end when the steering wheel is turned. I have greased every fitting I could find and the power steering fluid is full. I went so far as to WD-40 all moving parts and bushings under the front with no success. I have noticed a couple other Fords in parking lots making the same squeak. Is this a common problem with the Ford? Is it an easy fix? Any help or ideas will be very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

You're not alone with your squeaky front end. My 97 F-150 4x4 has been doing the same thing. Like you, I greased every zerk (a limited number!) and the problem continues. Even with the front end off the ground, turning the steering wheel causes the squeak. I, too, would appreciate any information that could help quiet this annoying squeak!!

 

slk,

I posted the same question on another forum and received a reply from someone who says it was the pitman arm causing a squeak on his.

Brian

 

Thanks Brian,

After I posted my earlier message, I browsed through the list of service bullitens. The only referring to a steering squeak recommended replacing the Pitman arm. I guess it's time to use the extended warranty!! :-X23

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

Hey i own a 2000 F150 and had the same problem i took it to the dealer and they had to change upper and lower ball joints on the drivers side of the truck........ mine was under warrenty yours may not be...... u said you greased every fitting under your truck ?? Hows this possible ?? my truck doesnt have 1 fitting !! you must have aftermarket parts or sumthin.... i've been over mine a couple of times now thinkin i may have missed um but there just isnt any i've been offroadin and wanted to grease them.

Well just givin some info later


2000 F150 Extended Cab 4x4 Sport all Black

 

Thanks Black Lightning. My 97 is all stock and I found two grease fittings but that was it. They may have done away with these two on the newer models such as yours. Thanks again for the info.

 

Thanks for this post, I have also crawled around under my truck tring to pin point a grind/sqeak noise. I had the pitman arm replaced Friday and my 97 doesn't sound like an 87 anymore.

 

DAW

Did you replace it yourself or have it done? What was the cost? Thanks.

Brian

 

Since hearing the responses here, I've done some price-checking for the Pitman arm. Prices range from $38, to $65...I haven't check the Ford price, I'm sure that would be higher. Since the deductable on my extended warranty is $50, I'll probably do this job myself when we get some warm weather & my schedule lightens up.

I'm reassured by everyone's responses that this fixes the squeak. Thanks for the inputs!!

slk

 

The total repair cost at a local (non-dealer) shop was $110.

 

My 97 F150 has squeaked since I bought it used at about 16,000 miles. When I get my oil changed I asked them to lube it, but they told me there are no zerts. NOT, I found at least one and greased it. It takes the squeak away for awhile anyway.

 

From the factory there are 2 grease fittings, both on the idler arm.
The most common thing that squeeks is the pitman arm.

 

To stop the squeaking this is what you do, First go to napa, auto zone, etc.. and get a grease needle (couple bucks). Go home attach it to your favorite grease gun (Needle has a zerk on one end) go under truck and sitck the upper and lower ball joints with the needle end and pump away!!!. Its just that simple i swear, all my squeaks in both my explorer and F-150 were gone. When finished place a dab of silcone over the tiny hole you made with the needle and let it sit awhile then drive it making lots of turns and it will quiet down. Remember if it does not have a zerk then use the needle and the results are amasing!!!!

 

I also has lot of squeaking in both frond ends on my 97s. I took that needle and filled each boot with grease and drove around and every noise went away. Every 3-6 months i grease everything when i chage the oil and I have not had a problem since. Since a sign of wear is the squeaking check all of the front end parts when you grease them up, you might find something bad while you are checking. All of the aftermarket parts not have the fittings on them so we do not have this problem in the future