front end squeeking

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Jan 10, 2004 | 09:19 PM

Growinboy

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From: hawaii

front end squeeking

Howdy fellas, new member here, I think this forum is incredible! Been driving a ford truck since I was 17 and have owned 3 since... Anyhow, Im a US Marine and I was in Iraq for about 8 months last year. I left my 96 Explorer with my GF and when I got back... the front end really squeeks. Even just putting my bodyweight on the front bumper causes the suspension to creak and squawk. Im not much of a motorhead, but I take care of the basics with my wheels. Is this a serious suspension problem? Or does it just need some lube?

Jan 11, 2004 | 09:14 AM

maa139

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From: West Chester PA

Check to see if the radius arm bushings are bad. They caused a terrible squeak for me. The radius arm is about 18 inches long and runs from the front axel area to a bracket at the back of the wheel well. This IS NOT the definitive test of the bushings, but if you can grab them with your hand and spin them, they are bad. Most likely the one that would go bad first is the passenger side becuase the heat from the cat weakens it and it tends to wear faster than the driver side. As far as fixing it, search for 'radius arm' with the search function and you will find lots of threads about it. There is also another good site that has articles about fixing all kinds of stuff on X's.

This is the other site that I referred to:
http://www.glue.umd.edu/~singletn/exp.html

Let us know what you find.

Matt

Jan 12, 2004 | 07:40 AM

mason

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Sorry but the '96 doesn't have radius arm bushings (RABs). Ford used them in the first gen Explorers but switched to torsion bars in '95. Of course, this doesn't help Growinboy much but at least he won't be chasing the wrong thing. I'd try to isolate where the noise is coming from by having someone push on the bumper while someone else tries to find the location of the noise.

Also, welcome back and thanks for your efforts in Iraq.

Mason

Jan 12, 2004 | 10:19 AM

99Xplr

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: NJ

First thing to check are the sway bar bushings. These are mad eof rubber, and can cause the sounds you are hearing. You can try replacing them with urethane bushings if they are found to be the cause.

Jan 12, 2004 | 08:42 PM

maa139

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From: West Chester PA

Quote:

Originally posted by mason
Sorry but the '96 doesn't have radius arm bushings (RABs). Ford used them in the first gen Explorers but switched to torsion bars in '95.

Nevermind then...

Jan 12, 2004 | 09:06 PM

thelonerangerxlt

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So GB, which duty station do you like the best, Iraq or Hawaii?

Just kiddin'; trick question. Welcome back.

Before you tear into it too far, get a spray can of lithium grease and spray the torsion bar front ends where they fit into their mounts. This was the source of my squeeks. I have to give the bars a shot of lube about once a year.

Jan 14, 2004 | 03:17 AM

Growinboy

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: hawaii

hawaii hasnt been bad to me man! getting ready to leave soon though... Im gonna take a shot at playing some college football... anyhow, I had a mech take a look at it, he said the ball joints are bad; they come sealed from the factory, but eventually need replacing... I shot some lube on em, but it didnt help much... also, does anyone have any pointers on changing the plugs? i mean, making it easier? LOL! I have some big arms and big hands, its a bitch to get in there... thanks for the replies fellas...