2008 Explorer XLT - driver side creaking rattle metal noise when driving and turning wheel

[94Fexplorerxlt]

I have a 2008 explorer XLT - 205K miles . I have creaking and metallic clanky rattling noise when driving , coming to a stop , barely any bouncing causes it. Also when turning the wheel back and forth when parked . Also when I get out and shut my door it make a few last clank creaks when I shut the driver side door. The noise doesn't really do it when I push the front end up and down manually by pressing the driver side front quarter panel.

My struts are basically new , only 2 years on them and replaced with the original motocraft ones. Is this a ball joint and if so do you think its the upper or lower ones ? I would like to change this out myself if possible since I hate taking to the mechanics if I can avoid it . The noise is driving my crazy and its very embarrassing as the tone resonates and echoes all around me when driving in town.

If anyone has had this happen or know what it is any help would be MUCH appreciated !

 

[D Hook]

My '06 is doing the same thing. Just started about a month or two ago.

 

[94Fexplorerxlt]

After researching this a bunch I believe it is my lower ball joint . I ordered all the tools and whatnot and plan to change it out this weekend. I will report back if it fixes the noise

 

[dvdswan]

Possible heat shield broken/loose?

 

[Run Amok]

Take a look at the sway bar links while you're in the neighborhood.

 

[D Hook]

Sway bar links are a good idea. Replaced those about 10 years ago I think so they may be due.

 

[J_C]

I suspect that the creaking is a suspension bushing(s) and the rattling is something else like an exhaust heat shield or brake shield.

It may not be impossible for a ball joint to make this type of noise, but I would sooner suspect a thump noise when going over road bumps, or of course vertical play when you wiggle the wheel up and down, or when you stick a pry bar into that joint and give it some pressure... either case with it jacked up, wheel off the ground.

If your ball joint is squeaking and the dust boot is disintegrated, a couple drops of oil in it (or easier, spray can lube using a straw) should temporarily stop a squeaking noise, even if it still needs replaced.

Get the front end off the ground, take the wheels off, grab a strong flashlight and prybar and poke/prod/pry/wiggle everything.

 

[94Eddie]

Also, a loose ball joint can mimic a tire being out of balance at highway speeds that can be another indication of it being a problem.

 

[Blackhawkxx]

I have found that many times a bad ball joint will make a fairly loud creak when turning the steering wheel like when you are parking. I'm guessing that is caused by the lack of lubrication which is one reason it wore to begin with.

 

[ohmar99]

Take a look at the sway bar links while you're in the neighborhood.

Thats exactly what it was on mine. Bushings gone on one. Busted in half on another

 

[Trainmaster]

Lower ball joint.

 

[94Fexplorerxlt]

Lower ball joint.

It was in fact the lower ball joints, I just got on here to reply to recent post and realized I didn't report back lol . Hope this helps someone