squeaking front end
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 348
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From: Franklinton, NC
squeaking front end
My 99 F250 4x4 has started squeaking in what sounds like the front driver's side. Well, I say "started" because I never noticed anything until after I installed new shocks. At first, it really didn't bother me but now pulling up to a stop on bumpy pavement or crossing rough ground offroad makes me think I'm in a cheap hotel with paper thin walls and next door are newlyweds!
I thought pulling the shocks and putting a thin coat of white lithium grease on the bushings would cure it; no luck, no change at all. Any idea what this could be and what could be done about it?
Thanks, CedricR.
I thought pulling the shocks and putting a thin coat of white lithium grease on the bushings would cure it; no luck, no change at all. Any idea what this could be and what could be done about it?Thanks, CedricR.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I think it's your ball joints. Try shooting some penetrating oil around the top of the ball joint boot where the steel finger comes out and go drive on a bumpy road. Repeat the procedure a couple of times. See if the noise doesn't go away.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 441
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From: Byron, IL
My front end squeeks only when I turn the wheel just started doing it tonight man is that a terrible squeek would that be the ball joints also or something else? It doesnt make the noise while travling straight. Thanks
More Turbo
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 603
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From: Plano Texas
I was about to start a post about the same problem. I jacked the truck up and could move my tire back and forth...think it's the bearing in the feft front. Has anyone ever paid for this to be replaced. I just don't have the time to do it.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2006
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i have a 4x4 7.3 excursion and i had the same problem and i wheel my truck occasionally. i had gone down the list replaced upper and lower ball joints, brake pads, came to see it was the hub assembly - maybe thats your problem?
Gone, but not forgotten
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,026
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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
Originally Posted by Chance_Thomas
I was about to start a post about the same problem. I jacked the truck up and could move my tire back and forth...think it's the bearing in the feft front. Has anyone ever paid for this to be replaced. I just don't have the time to do it.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Franklinton, NC
I don't think it's the wheel bearings... it's only heard when the suspension travels up and down. I'll try the spray the ball joint technique Kwik offered. The hub assembly is new and yes it was an expensive fix. 
CedricR.
CedricR.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Baltimore
Originally Posted by cedman
Well, I say "started" because I never noticed anything until after I installed new shocks.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2006
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i had some play in my ball joints while i had the squeak and i replaced them, didnt make the slightest difference, only in my checkbook. the hub assembly was only around 300. and it was the loudest squeak i have ever heard
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 910
Likes: 8
From: West-Central New York
Mine squeaks quite frequently. I'm fairly certain that it comes from the front leaf springs. Not sure what to do about it and since I can't hear it when the windows are closed I suffer through. The plastic pads that seperate the spring tips have all shifted sideways and that appears to be the culprit. Dumping oil on it helps for a time, but that's it.
Wish I could be of more help.
Wish I could be of more help.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
I have a similar "squeaking" sound. Happens when going over small bumps, no matter if the wheel is straight or not. Can't be the bearings, as I just replaced them along with lubing the bearings in the lokcer and replacing all the outboard seals on the front axle.
I've pretty much narrowed it down to the leaf springs. The noise was there with stock shocks, didn't go away when I installed new Rancho shocks. However, if I spray the springs with some WD-40 or similar, right where they make contact with each other, the noise will go away for a few weeks. IMO, it's the noise of dry & rusty springs rubbing against each other. My rubber/plastic pads between the springs are gone. I'm thinking new pads between the springs will eliminate the noise. Until then, some spray lube will do the trick.
I've pretty much narrowed it down to the leaf springs. The noise was there with stock shocks, didn't go away when I installed new Rancho shocks. However, if I spray the springs with some WD-40 or similar, right where they make contact with each other, the noise will go away for a few weeks. IMO, it's the noise of dry & rusty springs rubbing against each other. My rubber/plastic pads between the springs are gone. I'm thinking new pads between the springs will eliminate the noise. Until then, some spray lube will do the trick.
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Senior User
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From: Franklinton, NC
Originally Posted by jtharvey
snip* However, if I spray the springs with some WD-40 or similar, right where they make contact with each other, the noise will go away for a few weeks. IMO, it's the noise of dry & rusty springs rubbing against each other. My rubber/plastic pads between the springs are gone. I'm thinking new pads between the springs will eliminate the noise. Until then, some spray lube will do the trick.