Cracking noise. Need help.

[03explorer08]

Good evening. I am glad I was able to become a member and part of the community and I'm excited to see how we can all help each other. I have a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT that has been making a creaking noise on the front driver side when I turn. This upcoming October will be 1 year we've had this truck and it has given us minimal issues. Whoever had it took good care of it. The truck now has 180k and about 7 months ago we replaced the wheel hub and bearing on the front driver side. The creaking usually only happens when's it's a slow turn like at a stop sign and I can hear it more when I'm making a left turn. It started about 1 month ago and seems to be happening a little more often now. Not sure if something needs to be lubricated or if it's something bigger. I am taking the truck to get checked out by the mechanic on this Friday but kind of want a head start so I won't get my eyes poked.

 

[swshawaii]

Cracking or creaking? If creaking or squeaking, check the front sway bar frame bushings.

Saturate one side at a time with water or light penetrant to test.

How to: Replace Sway Bar bushings (frame only) | Ford Explorer and Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

 

[03explorer08]

Cracking or creaking? If creaking or squeaking, check the front sway bar frame bushings.

Saturate one side at a time with water or light penetrant to test.

How to: Replace Sway Bar bushings (frame only) | Ford Explorer and Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

It's more of a creaking sound. I just replaced the sway bar bushing only. Not the bushings on the end links. It still creaks a little but now when I turn to the right and when I'm straightening out. Tomorrow I'm going to buy some high temp silicone and lubricate it a little. I heard that sometimes when you put the new bushing in raw it can squeak. Hopefully it will help?

 

[03explorer08]

Thank you for this. I replaced the sway bar bushings and resolved the issue.