Upper Ball Joint on '96 Explorer Squeaking

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Aug 11, 2006 | 04:16 PM

kuhawk06

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Upper Ball Joint on '96 Explorer Squeaking

I am having a problem with my 1996 Explorer with 155K miles on it. Whenever the suspension moves at all (turns, bumps, etc.) there is this awful squeaking noise that comes from the front passenger side. I am not all that car savvy but have reason to believe it is the ball joints on that side. Questions:

1. Is this something that it is necessary to fix i.e. are there some saftey concerns we're dealing with here or is is something that is just annoying.

2. Will simply spraying some sort of lubricant from time to time be an adequate fix?

3. Does this sound like a ball joint problem even?

4. What is a fair price for parts and labor to get this repaired? I have been quoted $600-800. Is this reasonable? I would try and fix it myself but don't have enough time....

Thank you!

Aug 19, 2006 | 01:18 PM

CarlsonCustoms

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its very easy to replace the upper joint on the pass. side since its a two piece design. I think it took me less then 1 hour total time to do mine. You just unbolt a few bolts and the middle piece pops off. I had to pay $150 for a moog joint becuase napa was out of the napa brand $40 part.

Aug 19, 2006 | 06:37 PM

aquanaut20

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From: BC Canada

It may be the upper bushings, I would get down and check where the squeek is originating from before changing out parts

Aug 20, 2006 | 10:28 AM

kuhawk06

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I've tried to find exactly where the sound is coming from but have found that difficult.

Does anyone have any pictures that could show me where the ball joints are?

Aug 20, 2006 | 02:16 PM

CdnSoldier

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From: CFB Petawawa Canada

Sorry to say fella, but If you don't know where the BJs are. I would leave it up to the Pros.

Aug 21, 2006 | 04:05 PM

CarlsonCustoms

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CDNSoldier has a point but just to help you out.. look at the arms that come off the frame to hold your brakes on.. they are the control arms the balljoint is the joint that connects the arms to the brakes (well the front hub/knuckle actually) pretty easy to spot even with the wheel still on.

Aug 22, 2006 | 11:36 PM

MazdaRangerGuy

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Usually it's a tie rod end causing that squeaking noise, but at 155K anything's possible!

It's also likely that all 4 ball joints are bad at that mileage... and if they are all original i can GUARANTEE they are all bad.

Jack up the car under the lower control arm just far enough to lift the tire off the ground about 3/4". Push in and out at the very top of the wheel.. if any play exists, it's most likely upper ball joint play.. but also possible control arm bushings or wheel bearing...

Now push and pull at the left and right sides of the wheel (like turning left and right)... if any play is felt it's likely tie rod end play.. but also possible wheel bearing play..

Now pry up on the tire from the bottom with a pry bar. It's easiest to have someone do this while you observe the lower ball joint. If you see the knuckle moving up and down on the ball joint you have play in it.

Ford "allows" up to .030" (thirty thousandths of an inch) of play in ball joints, but in my opinion any play at all warrants replacement.

good luck