i have a 91 4 dr 4x4 xlt explorer and i was hearin a noise in the front end while i was crusin at about 30 when i applied tha brakes the noise stopped but came back after i let up. i took it right to tha shop and was told it was the balljoints. is this really the problem if not then what but if it is then what brand should i use to replace them. i use this truck to plow and i do minor offroadin. plaese help

First of all, how many miles are on the vehicle? Are you the original owner? I assume that the original ball joints are on the vehicle.

It's hard to tell what a problem is over the computer. Your description doesn't lead me to the ball joints initially, of course I can't hear what kind of noise you're talking about.

When front disc brake pads are worn, there is a built in sensor that causes a chirping type of noise that could possible go away when the brakes are applied. One possibility.

What type of shop diagnosed the problem? Dealer? Independent shop? Have you used them before? Do you trust their judgement?
The best way I know of to check the ball joints is to put the vehicle on a lift, supported by the frame. Then grab the top and bottom of the tire and push and pull out and in to see if you can detect some play. Whoever you had check it out should be able to show you this.

There are four ball joints on your front end, an upper and lower on each side. It's possible that only one ball joint is bad, but if you have to replace one, it's a good idea to replace the other on the same side, since the expensive part of the process is the labor, and you already have everything apart. My experience is that the uppers usually go bad before the lowers.

Any good shop that regularly does front end alignments should be able to complete the job without a problem. They will probably use OEM replacement type parts, many times made by MOOG. That is fine.

I've had all the ball joints replaced on my vehicle. I can't remember exactly what the cost was, but a good guess would be that one side, upper and lower, would probable cost you $100-200, including parts and labor, maybe a tad higher. I think it's always a good idea to get at least three bids on substantial repairs, especially if you're not familiar with the normal cost of said repairs.

my truck has now 122,243 miles . i just ahd the uppers and lowers replaced with new ones and i got both uppers and lowers for 150 dollars . the labor killed me though. also the radiator had gone on it too soo that was trhe adde cost too thanks for ur input all the balljoints were totatlly blown out on it

I have 90K miles on my '94 Explorer and I just had all my ball joints replaced yesterday because when I got my new tires put on they said they couldn't be alligned since my ball joints were shot. It ended up costing around $450 for the ball joints and labor. I got the truck back today and started driving it and noticed the same squeal that you were talking about. As long as my tires were moving I could hear the noise. I went back today and they said one of the ball joints was rubbing up against something else (I forget all the mechanics fancy names). So you may not have to replace them, but just get something lubbed or moved so they aren't rubbing.

every since i got them replaced my truck s front end feels smooth and solid . no more noises except i can hear a small sqeak when i hit tha brakes is taht the same thing ur talkin about?..

No, that's probly just your brakes.

i just got the brakes done too at the same time the balljoiints got replaced.(that was the 4th time in 6 months i have gone thru pads) i have a problem that this truck it eats up brake pads. i put new rotors twice on both sides and replaced the calipers and even had them re built. extremly expensive . do u think that the noise i haer is a malfunction with the brakes and the problem i have with it eating pads?..