Mystery noise during braking

[JohnJ]

On my 92 Exploder 4x4:

During moderate or hard braking I get a creaking noise (moving forward or backwards) which is accompanied by a popping vibration felt in the floor.

Radius arm bushings are new but the bracket on the right hand side needs to be replaced due to wear. Ball joints on the left side are new. Right side lower has some play. Brake pads are approx new and rotors are freshly turned, and in spec for thickness. Front wheel bearings are in good condition. Calipers are probably original but appear to be in acceptable condition (but they will soon be replaced as they are just too old for me to have faith in the seals) and lubed with moly grease. Coil buckets are solid. Left side coil spring is sagged a bit.

The noise was present during any braking including very light braking when the left side ball joints had noticable play. After replacement of those joints the noise disappeared but after about 500 miles it has returned. The noise now is not as loud and the popping vibration is milder as well.

Anyone want to make any guesses?

 

[yellowcat]

what type of ball joints did you use, did you push the factory grease out. Is their play in the ball joint now. Do bolts hold the caliper on, are they tight. Are the rubber/metal caliper slide pins good. not really sure, but its a start, A.

 

[JohnJ]

I used TRW ball joints which come with grease fittings. After putting the knuckle back on I pumped grease in until I saw just a little coming out the boots. There is no play in them now, but the right lower which I have not yet replaced does still have a little play in it.

The calipers have no bolts, they use those metal/rubber clips that go in with a hammer. They appear to be okay as the rubber has not separated from the metal.

 

[ricco750]

My bet's on the right side ball joints. That's the kind of noise mine was making before I did all the BJ's four months ago.

 

[yellowcat]

trw is good

Replace the balljoint if its bad, what do you have to lose. I like to push that factory grease all out. But that might not be necassary

 

[JohnJ]

Replace the balljoint if its bad, what do you have to lose. I like to push that factory grease all out. But that might not be necassary

The other ball joints will be replaced, but rag joints and AC condenser and dryer have to come first so it should be around June 7th or so when I actually get to do it.

 

[BP_93explorer]

Will putting balljoints on one side make the other side wear out quicker? I have the creaking on the driver's side only and would prefer to just replace that one.

And where is the best place to buy TRW ball joints? Autozone doesn't have them listed.

 

[steve53]

Hey John. Just a thought, did you lube up the radius arm bushings before installing them? I had a loud and annoying creaking on my 93 and pulled of the rabs'. They were dry and the thread end was rusty where the bushings pass through. I cleaned and lubed them up and the creaking went away. Good luck.

Steve

 

[Skydiver]

Will putting balljoints on one side make the other side wear out quicker?

Nope . One side has no effect on the other.

I would always replace both the upper and lower together. One being very worn will stress the other, on the same side.

 

[JohnJ]

Hey John. Just a thought, did you lube up the radius arm bushings before installing them? I had a loud and annoying creaking on my 93 and pulled of the rabs'. They were dry and the thread end was rusty where the bushings pass through. I cleaned and lubed them up and the creaking went away. Good luck.

Steve

I coated them in white grease. I didn't think any lubrication is called for but I tend to do things like that because I lack physical strength.

 

[Four0Sport]

Advance Auto carries TRW ball joints but if you want to see that name on the box you buy you better hurry.. we're switching over to Moog chassis parts. which is really the same thing, they are both owned by Federal Mogul. I see youre in TX, i think there are a few stores out that way, not as condensed as on the east coast but you have a servicing DC and a good bit of stores. oh, they will list the Dana 28 and Dana 35 part numbers for 91-94 Explorers for some reason, make sure you buy for the Dana 35.

 

[BP_93explorer]

Nearest Advanced Auto is 86 miles

Are these the right ones though?

Upper
http://www.partsamerica.com/Product...RW&MfrPartNumber=104132HD&PartType=85&PTSet=A
Lower
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=TRW&MfrPartNumber=10376&PartType=66&PTSet=A