cracking-popping front end 1995 xlt

[Dyerstr8s]

My 1995 xlt has recently started a cracking, creeking & popping noise from the front end. More so when the road is rough, but even as going slow & turning corners. I think the steering is a bit jumpy too. Someone in my family...and I won't mention names, told me this is normal because there is over a 100,000 miles on it. They also claim it doesn't do it when they drive it. I know I am not CRAZY!
Someone else told me it's probably the springs. The body shop man..says it's not normal as he drove it out of the shop today, but only to make an appointment at the dealer to have the mechanic look at it. I just spent a ton of money on the rear door & can't yet afford to have anything else worked on. If it is the springs...is there anything I can do? Or perhaps it needs a lube job? Do you have any ideas.

 

[Jason_25]

There are no springs so whoever told you that doesn't have a clue. It's most likely your ball joints. Check for play in them.

 

[hornz2000]

Hey I was having the same problem and took it in to the dealer about 3 months ago. They tightened/retorqued all the bolts etc. in the front suspension and some other crap but it hasn't been doing it since. BTW my X had 43,000 miles at the time. There is something about the way it drives though that still isn't right and every once in a while I still get some noises but much better than before. If anyone knows what this problem is.....now when I go over a speed bump or something, when the front compresses/comes back down it is like a really loud creaking/squeaking type noise but that is the only time it does it...Any suggestoins?

 

[Dyerstr8s]

ball joints & cost 1995 xlt

Hi,
I posted earlier & got the reply about the ball joints. I did some checking on this. The parts are about $90.00 for upper & $40.00 for lower. I called the dealer & a tire place that also does this type of work. On the phone they both told me that usually upper & lower need replaced at the same time. The dealer mechanic said he just did a 1996 that cost over $700.00, the other place quoted the labor as being $450.00-500.00 not including the parts. Oh man...!

 

[Flounder]

DEFINITELY BALL JOINTS!

I had it happen THREE, count them, THREE times to my right front. Finally the last time they replaced more than the joints... I forget what else, but it was roughly 55000, then 76000 or so, then 92000 miles... Hopefully everything is good this time.

 

[SWLathrop]

I wouldn't rule out your radius arm bushings. Before spending $$'s on upper and lower ball joints, I would check/replace them. These have a nasty habit of causing all of the symptoms you have stated. And a lot cheaper to replace.

 

[Stephen S]

He said he's got a 95. The 95+ don't have any radius arms. I would also suggest checking the ball joints. You can check them yourself in your driveway. Jack up the truck, and grab the top and bottom of the tire and try to rock it up and down. If it has a lot of play in it, it's likely the ball joints.

Also, is the truck 2 or 4 wheel drive?? Could it also be a problem with the hubs on a 4x4 model??

 

[SWLathrop]

You're right...For some reason, I saw 1991 in his profile and 1991 stuck in my head along with radius arm bushings. My goof... Right on my noggin'

 

[Sandy]

Another consideration is the steering u-joints and CV joints.

When they wear out they tend to creak/crack/and sometimes bang.

 

[Dyerstr8s]

Follow up; Noise in Front End

Hi,
Took the 1995 XLT to a different mechanic today. He found the source of the noise. It's the tie rod ends. Since they can't be greased, they have to be replaced.

I hope this is all! The source of the noise is coming from there & it can be reproduced by moving the wheels with the front end jacked up. He said this is why there is noise while there is changes in the suspension and/or turning the wheel. He also told me that nothing appears to be loose or damaged. This would explain the why it's not so bad when it's cold, and get's worse when the temperature gets higher. Tie rods..I can live with that. Ball joints would take a few meals off our table!

Thanks for all your help,
Sincerely, Nancy

PS the profile is for 1991, we own two Explorers.

 

[Jason_25]

Glad to hear it's not those damn expensive ball joints. Mine makes the popping too now that you mention it. My mom's explorer is even worse about it.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Mine '95 used to pop and stuff all the time. Took a can of synthetic spray lubricant, sprayed all the bushings, no popping after that. Just a thought before you go to replacing anything.