Front End Squeek, What is it????
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Front End Squeek, What is it????
The front end of my 03 250 sd recently developed a squeek in it. It only does it when turning the steering wheel. I have greased the tie rods, with no luck. Is it the dreaded ball joints? They are original and have 91,000 miles on them. I have herd several ford trucks make this noise, all 4x4. Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 668
Likes: 6
From: Northfield, MI
Could be many things: Tie rod ends (regardless if you lubed them or not,) drag link, steering box, ball joints, axle shaft u-joints.
Have you had someone turn the wheel while you listened? Seems like the easiest way to find what's making noise.
Have you had someone turn the wheel while you listened? Seems like the easiest way to find what's making noise.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 805
Likes: 1
From: South Bend, IN
Could be your springs too. Shoot'em with WD40 in between the leafs and at the box and shackle.
EDIT - Probably isn't your springs if it only does it when turning. But if you exhaust all other options give it a try.
EDIT - Probably isn't your springs if it only does it when turning. But if you exhaust all other options give it a try.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
Jack the truck up on that side about 2inches of the ground with tire on, slip a heavey bar or a 2x4 about 6ft long under the from the front bumper an pry up and down.
Have someone look a the space between the knuckle an ball joint .
You don't want any play at all .
Time to get them replaced or attempt to do it yourself.
While you have the truck in the air grab the tire at 12an 6 and try to see if the wheel bearing hub has play in it .
You want no play here also.
Rich
Have someone look a the space between the knuckle an ball joint .
You don't want any play at all .
Time to get them replaced or attempt to do it yourself.
While you have the truck in the air grab the tire at 12an 6 and try to see if the wheel bearing hub has play in it .
You want no play here also.
Rich
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
Sorry the ball joint can have some play in it . The new spec's are used to determine if that are bad. its called ball joint deflection bottom spec is .004 an the top is ,024
but it is measured by a dial indicator and only while using the the 12 an 6 hand method.
but it is measured by a dial indicator and only while using the the 12 an 6 hand method.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 8
From: WV
This is by no means any type of a fix, this is simply a way to get rid of that annoying squeak until you can get them replaced. I did this on mine and it lasted a week or so before the squeaking started again. Just wanted the squeak gone while parts were coming in.
I agree on needing the zerks from the factory. I think that would save alot of low mileage ball joint jobs.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Grand Forks, BC, Canada
I had an annoying squeak in my truck and it ended up being the leaf spring bushings. When ever I turned the wheel while moving the body put pressure on the bushings and they would squeal .
