2005 Explorer suspension squeek

[frankjc]

Hi. I have a 2005 Explorer, and I am hearing a "low pitched" squeek over bumps.
Is there anything common that I should be looking at? I am going to try and crawl under there this weekend, and have a look/listen, but I am just wondering what might be a common problem, I am kinda new to Explorers.
Thanks.

 

[EasyRhino]

Very common for Explorers to have a front sway bar bushing squeak - mine does it when I forget to lube it.

I use WD-40 with the little straw applicator and squirt a little between the sway bar and bushings on the frame at each oil change. A minor aggravation, but easily fixed. Not a mechanical problem, so that's good.

 

[bigapple]

could also be ur ball joints... check to see if the boots over them havent dry-rotted and cracked

 

[frankjc]

Thanks. I will check those out. Let's hope it's the sway bar bushings.

 

[xvprflyboivx]

I would like to do this, this weekend. Can anyone show a pic of where the sway bar bushing is?

 

[EasyRhino]

Okay, I have no idea how to take a picture and post it (old and computer-illiterate), but I can tty to describe its location.

The sway bar is forward of the front axle, almost under the bottom of the radiator. It is a large black (what isn't under there) "pipe" or bar, about 1 1/4 inches in diameter, that is attached to the front suspension at each wheel, and to the frame with two bushings bolted to each fore-to-aft frame section. The bushings are the rubber that is squeaking. Shoot some WD-40 and that should shut it up for awhile.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

I found a more permanent fix for squeaky swaybar bushings. Get a needle grease gun adaptor, and a grease gun with some marine-grade waterproof grease, jam that needle adaptor in between the bar and bushing, connect your grease gun up to it, and pump grease in there.

I tried all sorts of various spray lubes and they only last about a week. I got the brainstorm to grease the ones on my old Durango only after seeing a set of Energy Suspension polyurethane swaybar bushings that had a zerk fitting on them. Hmmm...They might be on to something there, so I greased mine with some waterproof grease, and they were quiet still on the day I sold it about a year later.

Seems to be a common problem this time of year, especially if you live in an area that uses a lot of road salt, like we have here. The swaybar underneath the bushings on mine was all rusty, and powdered rust was coming out from the bushing. I just did the Explorer's bushings this past weekend since one was starting to creak a little, and it worked perfectly just like on the Durango.

 

[Cmkid18]

As said above it might be your ball joints. I had the same problem going over bumps and on turns in my 04 explorer. I bought the car less than thirty days ago. I took it back to the dealer and they were giving me the run around. Finally, after a little persuasion they looked at the car a realized it was the passenger side lower ball joint. Didnt cost me one penny.

 

[bmx045]

It's the sway bar bushings, almost positive. Mine does it and its annoying as ****. I don't have a needle adaptor for my grease gun yet. Although looking at the bushings, they are also worn out and have play, so, time for the ENS'!

 

[tower]

I replaced my sway bar bushings and the noise went away. Was about a 15min job and $30ish. My motor was out at the time made it very easy, but should not be to hard with the motor in.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

One extra little side bonus from lubing the swaybar bushings is a much better ride! I couldn't hardly believe the difference after doing mine. When those swaybars start to creak, they must be really tight in the bushings, preventing the rest of the suspension from articulating smoothly, because after greasing mine, it rode so much better I couldn't hardly believe it was the same vehicle!

I even have half a notion to squirt a little grease in the control arm bushings too, for the same reason.

 

[frankjc]

Well, I have found out that it is in fact the sway bar bushings. I was under there changing the oil, and I pushed up on the car and I could tell where it was coming from. I sprayed some lube on them and they quieted down. They seem to be hard as rocks. I might try the needle adapter on the grease gun, but not today....it's 20 something degrees out there. I'll think about replacing them when the weather gets better.
Thanks again for the advice.