Nasty squeak

[mjjstang]

Ok, It is 4 degrees out and i have no garage so I was hoping we could figure out what is wrong before I freeze my ass off. I have just noticed on my 97 xlt 4x4 front left wheel area squeaks BAD, I can really only describe it as if you were jumping on a rusty trampoline, what it might sound like, and it is just that, not anything really grinding or clunking, just a really bad loud squeak, it happens when driving straight and going over bumps, and turning, but even when I turn while not moving, lock to lock, it is so noticeable, its real loud. I thought it might be shocks making all that noise but when it happened turning in place, I figure it has to be something else. It is definitely coming from the left wheel area though. Btw power steering is not leaking, and is full. Thanks for any help.

 

[ARTURPOLAND]

the best advice is silicone or wd-40 treatment of all suspension elements. But at first look it is related to bushings (sway bar, end links). Shocks are not excluded as they can move slightly even when you turn your wheels while standing.

 

[mjjstang]

Its just so weird since it came out of nowhere and became so loud all of the sudden, there was no noise whatsoever before this. anyway im going to take your advice, start spraying and when it sounds a little better, then ill know which component i sprayed last, and then replace/fix whatever it was.

 

[NHale623]

May be a tie rod end. Can you put the truck on stands and have someone turn the steering wheel while you try to pinpoint the source?

 

[Bigg_billy]

Or ball joints, usually the squeakers are the upper ones.......

 

[aloneranger223]

I just started experiencing the exact same noise on my 00. I think I have traced mine down to the lower ball joint being worn out. I believe that water has gotten in there and rusted up. I sprayed it down with some oil the other day and that seems to have done away with the noise for the mean time. I could jump up and down on my step bars and hear it and anytime I turned or hit a bump. So, you might try and spray some oil on it and work it in some. If that does it, then you should change out your ball joint IMO. We have had a lot of rain here recently in AR, so I am attributing it doing it all of the sudden to that.

 

[mjjstang]

Thanks guys, You are probably right, Here in Michigan, we have had a lot of snow recently and it is not going away. I had hit some light curbs covered in snow, no big deal I figure an suv can handle it. plus the snow acted as somewhat of a ramp, so it didn't just barrel into a curb, but I thought maybe I messed it up that way. Ill just blame the snow for now. Thanks for the info.