2001 Front End Squeak

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May 3, 2004 | 12:59 PM

Hammerlane

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2001 Front End Squeak

2001 XLT 4wd, 4.0, 38K, 5spd. I recently noticed when the wheels are turned hard to the L or R (most noticeable when at a stop) there is a squek coming from the L front wheel. Sounds like an old haunted house door. I can't seem to get it pinpointed. Sprayed WD40 everywhere, but it didn't even quiet it down. Also, when on rough terrain, I hear a squeak like an old mattress from the same area. At 38K, I am puzzled. I love my Ranger, but it's giving me fits. Please help?

Hammerlane

I've got a mind like a steel trap, it's just a little rusty right now.

May 3, 2004 | 01:13 PM

CMazz

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I would check the sway bar and sway bar bushings, also raise it up and try and push on your tire top to bottom. If it moves at all your ball joints are probably bad or on there way out. The lower front ball joint is a common problem with Rangers so if your tire moves when you shake it I would start with that one.

Chris

May 3, 2004 | 03:33 PM

Sport400

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From: Grand Rapids,MI

Sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint the squeak even with a stethascope. I had this problem and after reading the posts here figired it was the ball joints, but not before replacing the front shocks. YOu can get a grease needle up into the ball joint and lubricate it. I did this several months ago and the squeak has not returned. I suppose the best thing is to replace the ball joint with one that has a grease fitting. Many on this site have done that.

May 3, 2004 | 06:53 PM

Hammerlane

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Thanks for the suggestions. I'm thinking that the ball joint is my problem. I sprayed everything with white lithium grease and it didn't help. I will raise the front end and check the ball joints. If that seems to be the source of the noise, I guess I will replace them. Any ideas on the cost of this?

Thanks,
Hammerlane

I've got a mind like a steel trap, it's just a liitle rusty right now.

May 3, 2004 | 10:53 PM

CMazz

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Ball Joints shouldn't be more then $20 a piece, however renting the ball joint press from Auto Zone is a $100 deposit which u get back when you return it. You might want to get a ball pein hammer as well...they can be helpful. If your truck is still under warrenty this should be covered. It's unusual for ball joint to go out within the first couple years unless they were kinda bad from the factory.

Chris