Badly Creaking front End
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Badly Creaking front End
Hey Guys,
Im new to the forum so bear with me. To start off I drive a 2001 Explorer Sport 4WD.
Recently I noticed a slight creaking noise coming from the front end. However in the past few weeks it has gotten unbearable. It seems to be coming from somewhere in the vicinity of the fron control arm on the passenger side. Now it creaks terribly whenever I go over even a slight bump, rock the car, or even turn the wheels. At first I thought my pwr steering pump was going but, since the noise got worse it doesnt seem like that. I wondering if the ball joints my be going or even the tie rods.
I am by no means a mechanic, but i try and do as much on my truck as I can. Any ideas as to what might be wrong and how much it might cost would be most appreciative. Also how hard it would be for a novice in auto repair to do.
thx
Im new to the forum so bear with me. To start off I drive a 2001 Explorer Sport 4WD.
Recently I noticed a slight creaking noise coming from the front end. However in the past few weeks it has gotten unbearable. It seems to be coming from somewhere in the vicinity of the fron control arm on the passenger side. Now it creaks terribly whenever I go over even a slight bump, rock the car, or even turn the wheels. At first I thought my pwr steering pump was going but, since the noise got worse it doesnt seem like that. I wondering if the ball joints my be going or even the tie rods.
I am by no means a mechanic, but i try and do as much on my truck as I can. Any ideas as to what might be wrong and how much it might cost would be most appreciative. Also how hard it would be for a novice in auto repair to do.
thx
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
...Welcome cs2400, and dfeck to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!
Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!
Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert, AZ
400-500 bucks?!?!? wow, sounds like you got ripped a little. i had BOTH ball joints replaced and meineke only charged me $250. and that was WITH some welding because the pieces of metal were rusted to the bolt.
BTW- i had the same symptoms and when i took it in to have the shocks/struts replaced, that was what they told me was causing the sounds......
BTW- i had the same symptoms and when i took it in to have the shocks/struts replaced, that was what they told me was causing the sounds......
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Livonia
i know this is not the correct way to do things or fix them..but i was working in a kid i go to school withs explorer and the passenger side lower ball joint made that squeaking noise..so i punched a hole in the back of the grease boot and squirted in there with wd40 and then turned the wheel to full lock and did it again until it stopped. it hasnt donre it since and there was no play in the ball joints at all to say that it was bad... IMO real cars have grease fittings everywhere..i like them and everything i replace on ym truck, i buy with a grease fitting in it
hope this helps
hope this helps
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
thanks guys, ill check all those things, i figuring its the ball joints too, but i will check the tie rods and maybe ill replace those, truck does have 70k on it so maybe its time. Also just wondering if thats whats wrong should i be worried about driving on them, i prob wont be able to get the parts till next week and I dont want to take any chances.
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 4.0 Beast
400-500 bucks?!?!? wow, sounds like you got ripped a little. i had BOTH ball joints replaced and meineke only charged me $250. and that was WITH some welding because the pieces of metal were rusted to the bolt.
BTW- i had the same symptoms and when i took it in to have the shocks/struts replaced, that was what they told me was causing the sounds......
BTW- i had the same symptoms and when i took it in to have the shocks/struts replaced, that was what they told me was causing the sounds......
It was suggested to do both upper/lower and right/left sides. Both sides replaced plus front end alignment equals money. Did I get ripped off? Maybe, but that's the going rate for this work in our area since I checked around will other garages. Yes, I could've done it myself or a friend but you get what you pay for!
Doug
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
you're all on track. upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, suspension bushings as well as sway bar ends can all be sources of creak and squeek. During summer months I have no creak. During winter months, whenever I go over a speed bump, I get the creak. If it comes back in a few weeks, I may try the lance the boot method.
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Just fixed mine tonight. Took a #3 drill and drilled a hole in the top of the upper ball joint. Tapped it with a 1/4-28 tap and inserted a 45deg Zerk fitting. Pumped it full of grease - noise gone.
Well, at least I think that fixed it. I also sprayed some Tri-Flo on the upper control arm bushings.
Well, at least I think that fixed it. I also sprayed some Tri-Flo on the upper control arm bushings.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Is there any danger in introducing metal shavings into the ball joint when drilling the hole? This sounds like a great idea to implement before problems appear. How deep do you drill and how do you remove metal shavings?
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Look, if it is indeed the balljoint making the noise, you're either going to have to replace it now, or try to fill it with grease. A few metal shvings isn't really gonna put you out any more than you are now.
In any case, I drilled a pilot hole, and when I thought I was close to going through, I put some grease on the drill bit. That will keep most of the shavings from falling into the ball joint. Then, when drilling with the #3, keep the bit full of grease, and go a little at a time.
In any case, I drilled a pilot hole, and when I thought I was close to going through, I put some grease on the drill bit. That will keep most of the shavings from falling into the ball joint. Then, when drilling with the #3, keep the bit full of grease, and go a little at a time.
Last edited by johnskurka; Nov 3, 2005 at 06:01 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
I would ASSUME that usually the ball joints are worn out. At least the ones I have seen. There is actual play up/down. But, I guess if greasing works, then by all mean go for it. I would rather just replace them. 33 bucks a pop and couple hours of labor.