Creaking Ball joints?
 

2001 Ranger XLT 4x4 - 38,000 miles

I'm hearing a sort of creaking sound emanating from my front left wheel. It's not very loud and can almost be described as a ticking as well as a creaking. It is most noticeable when turning at slow speeds but can be heard somewhat when turning the wheel while at a standstill.

I've yet to take it by the dealer as they were closed, but I did take it to a reputable shop. I didn't have time to drop off so we didn't get it on a rack, but he listened to it and looked it over in the lot. He thought it was perhaps the balljoints dryting up....said they seen it a bit on newer Fords and some others.

Apparently, the B-joints aren't "lube-able", and the factory lube has sometimes been inadequate or has dried out. He said they sometimes have to deal with this and they solve it by pulling back the boot and applying oil to the b-joints. Does this sound like an ok fix for a while in lieu of replacing the joints?

Thanks

I recently had the same thing with my 2001 4X4. Driver side squeaking bad!. I was able to grease through the boot with a grease needle (front and back) and sweak is gone. Not sure how long this will last but I am willing to try in order to save several hundred dollars. The joints are not worn out just lacking grease.

sounds like a great idea im gonna try that this weekend too.

Ball Joints with grease fittings
 

I have a 99 4 by 4 with 113,000 miles on it and at 50,000 miles the ball joints were so bad my frount tires were wearing on the edges. I change the ball joints and have gotten a front end e-linement ones a year and so far so good. The dealer has ball joints with grease fittings, thats the best way to go but it's not cheep.