Mechanic question
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New User
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Mechanic question
Hola-
I've got a 97 F250, and it makes a loud whining noise when you turn the wheel--Doesn't seem to be anything more than annoying on my end, but I took it to the dealer for an unrelated problem and they gave me a litany of things that needed to be replace: ball joints, pitman arm, some other stuff to the tune of about $1000. Is this necessary? If it is necessary, is there someone in the Seattle area other than the dealer that can do the work for less?
Thanks,
ajs
I've got a 97 F250, and it makes a loud whining noise when you turn the wheel--Doesn't seem to be anything more than annoying on my end, but I took it to the dealer for an unrelated problem and they gave me a litany of things that needed to be replace: ball joints, pitman arm, some other stuff to the tune of about $1000. Is this necessary? If it is necessary, is there someone in the Seattle area other than the dealer that can do the work for less?
Thanks,
ajs
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
I dont know but every single ford i have been around or driven in have a power steering whine its like the pump or something they use its annoying but thats the way they are unless the one your describing is quite different
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New User
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Less of a whine and more of a creaking, screetching type sound. It's different than if you turn the wheel all the way over and keep putting pressure on--that power steering whine is much different than what I've got.
I'm dubious as to the dealership giving me honest info, mostly.
I'm dubious as to the dealership giving me honest info, mostly.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Meridian, ID
Its hard to say - but depending on your milage you "might" need to have those things replaced and they could be looking out for your best interests. I'd take it around to a couple other shops and have them check those components and see what they say. Ask around and find feedback about a dealer you can trust that you could be assured they wouldn't just try and sell you something if you ask them to check your ball joints and steering components etc.
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From: Louisville,Ky.
The ball joints are known to wear out. I would suggest a second opinion and if they do need replaced, I would have it done. You don't want front end parts breaking on you, could get ugly. They are non-greasable from the factory, but most quality aftermarket ones are so they should last a lot longer.
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Originally Posted by LxMan1
The ball joints are known to wear out. I would suggest a second opinion and if they do need replaced, I would have it done. You don't want front end parts breaking on you, could get ugly. They are non-greasable from the factory, but most quality aftermarket ones are so they should last a lot longer.
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This might help
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ght=ball+joint
click on the highlighted text to see pics.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ght=ball+joint
click on the highlighted text to see pics.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Ohio
Pay attention to the noise. Your truck is telling you somethng is wrong.
This summer my 97 Town car started making a creaking sound when I turned the wheels. I told the wife its OK most likely just a dry joint, but about 150 miles later, lost left lower ball joint rounding corner in town. Lucky I was going slow or major damage could have occured.
Check this site for instructions on how to change lower ball joints. It is a good post.
Motorcraft parts from Pock Auto and kit from Harbor Freight held down over-all cost.
This summer my 97 Town car started making a creaking sound when I turned the wheels. I told the wife its OK most likely just a dry joint, but about 150 miles later, lost left lower ball joint rounding corner in town. Lucky I was going slow or major damage could have occured.
Check this site for instructions on how to change lower ball joints. It is a good post.
Motorcraft parts from Pock Auto and kit from Harbor Freight held down over-all cost.
Last edited by Thomas Hutchins; Nov 11, 2007 at 02:38 PM.
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