Squeaking when going over bumps
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 283
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From: Bethel Park, PA
Squeaking when going over bumps
My Ranger recently developed a loud screeching or squeaking noise when I go over any kind of bump. It also does it a little when I turn the steering wheel to the right. Is there anything I can spray under there as a temporary fix for this? Like some kind of silicone spray or grease? It's coming from the front driver side. My truck is old so maybe it's one of the shocks, but that's something I can't afford right now. I was just hoping there's something I can use until I can have it checked out. Any advice on what is causing this and what I can do about it would be appreciated! Thanks guys.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 681
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From: SE Michigan
Try using some spray lube around the control arm bushings and the sway bar links and bushings. Then bounce the truck up and down a bit to work it in. Then spray some more to see if it gets better. Also try spraying the rubber pads that the front springs sit in. It possibly could be a dry ball joint as well.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: Northern Maine
Check you ball joints. My 98 2 wheel drive had a squeak in the front end when turning the steering wheel. It was only noitcable when the truck was either stopped or going very slow. Good luck.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Bethel Park, PA
Try using some spray lube around the control arm bushings and the sway bar links and bushings. Then bounce the truck up and down a bit to work it in. Then spray some more to see if it gets better. Also try spraying the rubber pads that the front springs sit in. It possibly could be a dry ball joint as well.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
To make this kind of a test you could use something like WD-40 to start with. Something that is kind of thin and can penetrate easily. Only thing with WD-40 is it goes away after a while. But if you spray some around those areas and it makes the noise go away, then you could try some other spray that would be thicker but still be able to go into tight spots easily. There is a white lithium spray lube that works like that and after sitting for 5 minutes or so after being sprayed it gets less runny and becomes like a regular grease and stays where you put it. Look around at some of the better auto parts stores in your area for it or something similar. Those little red straws that come with some spray lubes help the spray go in tight spots pretty easily too. Some times you have to keep adding more into the same spot to see if it makes a difference. Not sure if any of the new replacement control arms come with grease fittings or not, but that might be an option if you need new ones. And the same goes for new ball joints that have grease fittings. It can make a nice difference in how long they last.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
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From: Dexter, MI
Also keep in mind that parts without grease fittings, such as your ball joints, often have a threaded hole where grease fittings can be installed. If that the case for you, buy some grease fittings and put them in. Manufacturers say joints have lifetime lubrication, they don't say whose lifetime however.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: MN
My 2000 Ranger started doing the same thing and I tried spraying everything with no luck. I bought an injector needle for my grease gun and lubed the lower ball joint on the side making the noise. The sound stopped instantly and didn't return until a couple of months later.
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