2001 2WD squeaky front end

[saddlebum13]

My Sport Trac squeaks when going over bumps. I changed my passenger side shock as it would make the noise just pushing down on the fender. Alas, this wasn't it. I sure don't see any place to grease on the suspension. Any ideas other than taking it to a mechanic?
Thanks.

 

[steventadams]

Welcome aboard

Check all the bushings down there. Several of them have a nasty habit of deteriorating to the point that they make lots of noise... Chances are you'll see some of the rotting out.

 

[saddlebum13]

I haven't had a chance to really look at them yet. Is this something that an average person could do in an afternoon?
Thanks.
Steve

 

[steventadams]

To look at them should take only a few minutes, maybe 10 if you do a pretty thorough check. All of them are able to be seen just by crawling around underneath the truck, you don't have to remove anything to get a look at the bushings. But to replace the worn bushings you should set aside a pretty good amount of time if you haven't done them before.

 

[btexpress]

Find the tie rods on each side and rotate them with a wrench or pliers, many times the outer tie rods dry out over time and can make noise. You should be able to tell if it is the tie rods by rotating, they may even be hard to rotate.

Could also be a ball joint worn or dried up.

 

[saddlebum13]

Thanks.....I really appreciate the input.
Steve