Squeaking Bushing
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Newton, MA
Squeaking Bushing
I have a '97 Explorer Sport with 165K miles. About 2 weeks ago, I started hearing a squeak whenever I hit a bump and it was getting progressively worse. Last week, I was able to locate (I think) the source of the squeak. It appears to be coming from a bushing...however, I don't know the name of the bushing. The bushing is located on the driver's side of the car, positioned to the rear of the front axle. It appears to be connected to the "yolk" type piece that has to be removed from the truck if you were trying to replace the ball joint. It is the rear of the two bushings attached to that piece. If you need more of a descriptiton, let me know and I'll try to oblige.
I checked the integrity of the bushing and it seemed fine, no cracks, no signs of disintegration, etc. I also applied a healthy portion of WD-40 to the bushing, but it didn't help.
So, 2 questions: one, can anyone help me put a name to the bushing; and second, does anyone have any suggestions on how to stop the squeaking?
Thanks in advance!
I checked the integrity of the bushing and it seemed fine, no cracks, no signs of disintegration, etc. I also applied a healthy portion of WD-40 to the bushing, but it didn't help.
So, 2 questions: one, can anyone help me put a name to the bushing; and second, does anyone have any suggestions on how to stop the squeaking?
Thanks in advance!
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Newton, MA
Thanks for the reply. I don't think that it isn't the stabilizer bar bushing, however. I believe that bushing is located further forward (in front of the axle) than this one. Can anyone verify if that is right?
My squeaky bushing is the rear of a set of two bushings that flank the front axle. Does that help anyone identify this bushing? And once again, if anyone has ideas of how to make it stop squeaking, that'd be great!
My squeaky bushing is the rear of a set of two bushings that flank the front axle. Does that help anyone identify this bushing? And once again, if anyone has ideas of how to make it stop squeaking, that'd be great!
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Wasilla, AK
If it is the sway bar bushings, here is a good link.
http://www.central4wd.com/store/itemdetail.asp?ID=2146
http://www.central4wd.com/store/itemdetail.asp?ID=2146
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Sounds like the lower control arm bushing where the control arm is connected to the frame. I need to replace mine, they squeek like crazy when they get wet, like all winter long! Ford says they have a redesigned one with rubber material that won't squeek. The mechanic at Ford says the only way to lube it is to remove the bushing from the control arm with a press and try to get a graphite like lubricant between the steel shaft(in the bushing) and the rubber. May as well replace the bushing with the new and improved ones. Believe I saw them in a parts catalog for about $8 each. Need two per control arm. Hope this info helps. Good luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
I've replaced lots of outer tie rod ends and ball joints on these to cure squeeks. If you feel each joint while someone bounces up and down on the front end you can usually feel which joint is squeeking. It will vibrate as it squeeks.
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Freshman User
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From: Newton, MA
Thanks everyone. It is definately the control arm bushing -- I believe the upper one. Is it possible tot replace the bushing without taking apart the entire suspension -- shocks, torsion bar, ball joints, control arm, etc.?
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Racerguy, how do I check the tie rod ends to see if they are OK. I have a 95 2wd EB ex (120k miles). I just replaced the lower ball joints and have new tires, which was a big improvement. However, the front end still doesn't feel right.
The shocks seem good (3 yr old edelbrocks) and I believe the upper ball joints are good. I have a knocking sound from the front end (not engine related) at low speeds (0-30 mph). Could this be wheel bearings or hubs?
I think it may be something else - possibly something with the steering components. 95 Ex's have rack & pinion. I noticed that the lower steering column shaft seems very loose. I can move it with my hand and it seems to make contact which might cause a knocking sound.
How can I isolate the problem or rule the steering components out?
The shocks seem good (3 yr old edelbrocks) and I believe the upper ball joints are good. I have a knocking sound from the front end (not engine related) at low speeds (0-30 mph). Could this be wheel bearings or hubs?
I think it may be something else - possibly something with the steering components. 95 Ex's have rack & pinion. I noticed that the lower steering column shaft seems very loose. I can move it with my hand and it seems to make contact which might cause a knocking sound.
How can I isolate the problem or rule the steering components out?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Pretty much any play, anywhere in the front end can make noise.
If the wheel bearings are really loose they can make noise.
Loose brake pads or caliper slides can rattle.
How are the sway bar end links?
Yes a loose steering column shaft can cause a rattle and it can make the steering feel loose and wander too.
Basically you just have to start pushing and pulling and moving components until you find something with movement where it shouldn't be. The tie rod ends shouldn't twist easily and definately shouldn't have any sideways play in them. You can have someone move the steering wheel back and forth a bit while you watch the tie rods to see if you can detect any sideways movement in them. If the tie rod end moves and the steering knuckle where it attaches to, doesnt, then the end is worn.
Lots of tire shops etc will do free front end inspections in hopes of selling you some work. If you know of one that you trust it might be a good idea to take your Explorer in and get it checked too.
If the wheel bearings are really loose they can make noise.
Loose brake pads or caliper slides can rattle.
How are the sway bar end links?
Yes a loose steering column shaft can cause a rattle and it can make the steering feel loose and wander too.
Basically you just have to start pushing and pulling and moving components until you find something with movement where it shouldn't be. The tie rod ends shouldn't twist easily and definately shouldn't have any sideways play in them. You can have someone move the steering wheel back and forth a bit while you watch the tie rods to see if you can detect any sideways movement in them. If the tie rod end moves and the steering knuckle where it attaches to, doesnt, then the end is worn.
Lots of tire shops etc will do free front end inspections in hopes of selling you some work. If you know of one that you trust it might be a good idea to take your Explorer in and get it checked too.
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