99 Expedition - Squeaky Steering
 

The front end of my Expedition started squeaking lately, especially when I turn right (but it does it in both directions). Can squeak on bumps too. Doeas anyone have any ideas for me?
Thanks.

Could you be more specific for us as to what kind of squeak it is? Like does it squeak when sitting still and turning the wheel, or only when moving? Is it a squeak that changes as the vehicle speed changes, or is it a squeak that happens as you go over bumps and the vehicle bounces? Does it do it when in 4WD (if applicable.)

I'll get back to you : )

When my 97 did this it was the Pitman Arm. The OEM one did not have a grease fitting. I installed a Moog with a grease fitting like this one.

Pitman Arm? Is that like a Johnson Rod? : ) (Seinfeld fans will understand that.)

In anwer to the previous questions:
Yes it squeaks/squeals when turning the wheel when not moving.
Yes it does it when it's in 4WD.

I am retracting the statement about doing it when driving on bumps; it's actually when I brake a little harder than normal. I noticed this on the bumpy parking spot in front of my house, hence why I thought it was the bumps, but now I realize it's the brakes.

I bet if I drove on a really bumpy gravel road it would squeak/squeal too. If necessary I can test that theory out tomorrow.

Okay that eliminates wheel bearings/hubs, CV joints, the differential, and the drive shaft u-joints. Obviously you're down to a steering component. The first one to go is usually the passenger side lower ball joint.

Any chance the squealing is the belt slipping on the power steering pulley? Does the belt look okay, no rips or chunks missing? Does the wear indicator on the belt tensioner hit the stop or is it still away from it?

Oh god I have no idea. I'm a girl!!! : ) I will get my hubby to check; he says he knows where those things are.

Thank you for your advice. I will post an answer after he gets a chance to look.

If a guy said that he would be called sexist. :-X18

No he wouldn't, he'd be called "gender confused"! But seriously, I am hopeless with all things mechanical and I could go on and on about the sociological reasons why and even dabble into some psychology...but I won't. :)

Back to the truck. I noticed this morning that it doesn't seem to make it's noise as much first thing when the engine and other moving parts are cold etc. Don't know if that's relevant or not. My hubby will hopefully get a chance to look at the belts this weekend and we will see what he finds.

That's the best thing at this point. We can speculate all day, but there's no substitute for getting under there and checking for worn parts.