Front-end squeal

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Jan 3, 2000 | 12:13 PM

Jack

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Front-end squeal

My '97 Expedition has started to squeal when I turn the steering wheel. I know the front-end is sealed, with no grease 'serts, and the problem is probably dry joints, but I don't know how serious the problem is. The local dealer won't even discuss the problem without taking it apart, and he claims there have been no reported problems in general with the '97.

Does anyone have any experience with a squealin' front-end on a 97? Is it serious or just obnoxious? Can it lead to a more serious problem if I don't have it fixed immediately?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Jack

Jan 5, 2000 | 10:15 PM

JJR

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Front-end squeal

I have a 99 Navigator (which I'm sure shares the same steering components with the Expedition) that had the same problem. It sounded like the tired springs on my 65 ford pickup when I turned the wheel back and forth. When I took it to my dealer he didn't even inspect the car. He just nodded, apologized and said that the parts would be in tomorrow. "It's a problem we're aware of" is all he said.

It's probably more annoying than dangerous, but no one should have to live with that noise. If your dealer made a few phone calls, I'm sure he'd learn a whole lot of things without having to take the front end apart. Good luck.

Jan 8, 2000 | 09:16 AM

jonjam

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Front-end squeal

My 97 did the same thing.Sounded like it was rubbing on something rubber or plastic when you turned the wheel.Took it to dealer and they replaced the pitman arm.that solved the problem.

Jan 9, 2000 | 09:20 PM

Bent6

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From: Chicagoland

Front-end squeal

The pitman arm is known to make noise on the post 97 F-series. I would assume it is the same for your truck. If you are in warrantee, have the dealer replace it. If you are out of warantee, poke a tiny hole in the arms boot and squirt in some grease. I used white lythium on my 97 F-150, which made lots of noise, and I haven't heard the noise in 10,000 miles. This costs almost nothing, and if the arm wears because of dirt (almost impossible if your hole is very small) you're back to where you were before you greased it. The cost of a replacement arm is about $50 plus labor (about $100 parts and labor is typical).

Mar 22, 2000 | 10:04 PM

jackcamp

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Front-end squeal

Thanks to all who responded to my question. I finally got tired of the squeal and had the pitman arm replaced. $80, parts and labor. The new part has a grease zert ... guess they learned!

I still luv my Expedition!

Mar 26, 2000 | 02:25 PM

cheryl

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Front-end squeal

i had an experience with that-it took a good mechanic to pin point it. it was the bearing in the right front wheel.
i do alot of long distance highway miles, this creates alot of heat which in turn will create wear and tear on the bearings. have it checked out.
i also have replaced a stearing arm-different kind of squeal. I had to go thru 3 different ford service departments to get this problem found.