My 98 4x2 Rangers frontend is creaking. It started at about 75,000 miles. I've had the bushings on the sway arm replaced, they were cracked, but the creaking continued. Then I had the leftside outer tie rod replaced because at that time the creaking happened mostly when turning hard left at slow speeds. It quieted for a bit but then the sound came back again and it happens when I turn either left or right, but only at slower speeds.

I've read the posts on the forum about suspensions, creaking, ball joints, sway arms, etc. But I still don't know what to do about it. I, too, was told that the entire control arm needs to be replaced to fix any linage/ball joint problems. But I was also told the control arm would need to be replaced just to rplace the tie rods, which wasn't true.

Any help would be appreciated. I feel like I keep throwing $ at this thing and it still continues to be a problem.

Jess

 

As far as the noise occurring at slower speeds, it's likely that it's only at those speeds you're making those extremely sharp turns - let's hope so anyway. The stresses on the steering and suspension are also different at low speeds than at high speeds.

Five years old is a little too soon to be having to suspect suspension bushings, unless the environment and type terrain mostly traveled is harsher than average.

You said the "SWAY ARM" bushing was replaced. If you mean the (right?) axle beam "pivot bushing", a job that usually requires specialized tools, you already did what I was going to suggest first investigating. If not, then check it out. All other conditions being normal, premature failure could most likely be attributed to engine oil contamination, so keep that in mind when your looking.

The Twin I-Beam axles also have trailing links called Radius Arms, which also have bushing at their rear pivots, that can also disintegrate due to oil or ozone exposure and/or hard use.

You commented on forums discussing 'creaking, ball joints'. You didn't indicate whether that's been looked into or replaced, so I'd have to put that on the list of items to check, too.

Finally, look for signs of mechanical binding or abnormal friction with or around the steering linkage tie-rod adjuster clamps, Pitman Arm (that crank arm on the steering gear box), and areas where (oversized?) tires might be making contact with nearby related components.

Bare metal and/or rust trails or "halos" are usually reliable signs of possible abnormal contact and/or stress cracking is occuring, and well worth further investigation.

Let us know what you find out!

 

I have the exact same problem almost down to a "T". Front end creaking on hard turns at slow speeds. Some days there is no problem and other days it creaks like mad. I replaced the outer tie rod on the right side where most of the noise is coming from and it was silent for a few weeks, but now it's back. I can't figure it out and no one else seems to be able to do figure it out either.

The good news is that there is no problem in handling. No shimmy or pulling or any other symptoms of front end problems. Maybe that's not such good news. If I had one of those problems at least I would know where to look.

If anyone has a solution I'd love to hear it.

 

FYI Hooked, on a 1998 you don't have twin I beam suspension and you have rack & pinion steering.