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Front End Creak

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Old May 14, 2004 | 11:11 PM
  #1  
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Front End Creak

My 1997 4wd has a loud creak coming from the front right corner when I make left turns such as pulling into a parking space. Sometimes I hear a faint creak just coming to a stop going straight as well. During turns, it will make two or three creaks normally, and they are fairly loud. I did a visual inspection of the suspension in that corner and I can't see anything strange. I have tried bouncing the truck when parked but it won't make the noise. Anyone have any ideas? I would like to think it is just shocks and an easy fix, but I have my doubts on that. Thanks for your help.
 
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Old May 15, 2004 | 12:46 AM
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Check all your bushings. My 02 b3000 did the same thing especially when pulling into driveways or going over speed bumps. come to find out somethin up there needed to be lubed. My local mechanic lubed whole chassis for 30 bux. Noise has not come back since
 
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Old May 18, 2004 | 09:52 AM
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Squeaky Creeky front end

Originally Posted by smithc185
Check all your bushings. My 02 b3000 did the same thing especially when pulling into driveways or going over speed bumps. come to find out somethin up there needed to be lubed. My local mechanic lubed whole chassis for 30 bux. Noise has not come back since
Just wondering if others know of this problem and How to lube the chassis myself. I have 99 Ranger 2wd, and drove it down a very rough road all winter...by rough I mean a road with divets and bumps that are pretty severe. It made no noises this winter but as soon as it warmed up I started hearing what sounds like rusty springs when I would go down the road and now when I just push up and down on the front of the truck you hear it....sounds like something needs grease. Any Advice....is there somewhere specific to check for this in the Haynes Manual. I tried to get some info on this forum regarding the ball joints a few months ago...the manual says to inspect and lubricate the front ball joints every 5 to 10 thousand miles. However I have not been able to find any literature on how to do this. I was told that you cannot lube the ball joints but only replace them , thanks for any help.
 
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Old May 18, 2004 | 04:20 PM
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I would be interested in that as well Hulk. I think I am gonna squirt oil everywhere that looks like it could be squeaking because this thing is going to drive me crazy if I don't get it taken care of. But I would be interested to hear if there is a defined procedure for doing this.
 
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Old May 18, 2004 | 07:49 PM
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Most of the suspension won't have grease fittings, no lube needed. I wouldn't just spray oil all over since it will attract dirt on the bushings, located the problem by having someone rock the truck while your under it.
 
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Old May 18, 2004 | 08:38 PM
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I have tried the rocking the truck idea, but this thing won't make the noise that way, I have to be driving and turning. I'm not sure what I am going to do. I do think it has something to do with the spring though.
 
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Old May 19, 2004 | 03:28 AM
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I had the same problem in a 69 Mustang. The problem was the lower spring mount was making metal to metal contact. A rubber bushing was shot.
 
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Old May 19, 2004 | 06:40 AM
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PSKSAM2
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The ball joints can also make a creak when they start to go. Check the boots on them to make sure they are holding grease.

-Jim
 
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Old May 19, 2004 | 07:26 AM
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also creaking

I have a 98 mazda b2500. Mine is doing kinda the same thing. When it is cold outside you won't hear a sound but as soon as it warms up the creaking begins. Also it won't start usually till you have been driving it for awhile but when it starts its loud. I can also replicate the noise by pushing up and down on the front.
I know it is not good to put oil on bushing, but I got some wd-40 (2-in-1) and put it on the two arms that connect the suspension to the frame and that stopped it, for one trip. It is an intermitant problem so it is impossible to tell if that did anything or if the creak went away on its own.

Has anyone found a permenant cure.
 
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Old May 19, 2004 | 07:27 AM
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ball joints

also I replaced the lower ball joints.
 
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Old May 24, 2004 | 07:56 AM
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it seems replacing the lower ball joints is the fix. Makes me mad that Ford didn;t put grease fittings on the ball joints, yet expects me to lube them according to the manual. Thanks. I will replace the ball joints when I feel I have no choice, until then I will deal with the sound. Thanks
 
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Old May 24, 2004 | 12:28 PM
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The greaseless ball joints they use actually last alot longer than then the greaseable ones. They keep the contaminants out better. I had 168,000 miles on my 91 ranger w/ original ball joints.
 
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