f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

I have a 98 f150 4X4 with a 4.6 and a 5 speed. I need help with a squeaky front when I turn the steering wheel? I have very poor mileage 13mpg at best at 75mph empty? I read some about remapping the timing and resetting the computer. I bought this truck used so I dont know if anything been done to it. How do you reset the computer? I have a k&n air filter and a gibson cat back exhaust. Also at about 2500rpm I have a power steering noise like its low on fluid but it isn't??? PLEASE HELP

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

Regarding the steering i have a 97 f-150 2WD that squeeks like mad when i steer it too. I learned that there is a TSB out for this problem (on the 1997 models anyway)that points to a poorly designed pitman arm. If you go to napa.com to get a new pitman arm there is a note that says its an updated design. Although i have not replaced this yet it might be the same thing that is happening to you. :-X10

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

I have a 97 F150 70k on it so far. Front ends been squeaking for 3 years. Has anyone replaced the pitman arm and had noise go away. It sounds like it may work. I asked dealer and got a maybe from him! I quess it is worth a try to get some quiet driving time. Sucks in parking lots, and campgrounds when backing up trailer at 10pmx(

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

Problem - Squeaky pitman arm.
Cause - Pitman arm joint is "permanently lubricated", and permanent was too short :-X23
Solution - Get a grease needle, put it on a grease gun, stab boot and pump it with grease. Don't overdo it and burst the boot, just a good swelling. Drive it around, squeak will be gone.

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

Is the hole from puncturing the boot going to make things worse down the road due to dirt ang grime from on and off road use?

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

The needle leaves a very very small hole. Can poke it through the boot towards the backside if you choose. The proper black grease is highly water resistant. The grease should keep out water. The worst that can happen is that the original pitman arm will have to be replaced. I used this method a few years ago, expecting it to be just a temporary fix. It is still good years later. Someday I'll look for the original hole, and give it some more grease.
Give it a try, nothing to lose.

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

Thanks. Have you considered applying some rubber cement to the boot after greasing. (like the cement you use to repair tires) I just used this when fixing a boot on my atc, it worked well.

Thanks again for info.

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

No, I hadn't thought of that. I'll try it the next time I grease it.
Thanks

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

Dab of silicone works too.......Permanently greased my foot. Permanently sealed so you'll buy a new one!!!!!!!!

:-X01

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

Well, I looked at the needle at Sears, looked rather large. I got a needle for inflating a ball, went to Home Depot, got an adaptor from from Plumbing to fit gun and needle! Wow it worked with little damage to boot.Rather hard to pump, but it worked!! Thanks guys, now I can hear the radio when I'm parking the truck!!!!!:-X24

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

I looked at the same needle at Sears and was going to try the ball needle but wasn't sure how. Guess I'll try using the ball needle.

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

I got my needle at a parts store. It is slim, strong, and nasty looking with a slanted angle cut at the tip. It IS sharp. The gun end of it is shaped like a grease fitting, so the working end of the gun's coupler just snaps on like greasing a joint.

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise
 

Thanks - your solution worked for me.

f150 squeaky front, poor gas mileage, power steering noise