Rear End Squeak

[RandomNerd2000]

So, got a weird problem, not sure what it is, but I'll explain and see what's the best route to take.

Occasionally, when I get out my Ex, the rear end makes an audible sqeaking/creaking sound, it's an 01 Eddie Bauer with just under 193K, 4.0 SOHC, D2 axle code, fully stock rear, looks like nothing has ever been touched. Any ideas? Figure somebody has to have had this issue before.

 

[swshawaii]

I'd start by checking rear sway bar frame bushings, leaf spring bushings, shocks, and end links.

Generally, anything rubber that contacts metal will squeak, especially when worn or not lubricated.

If you have clearance and another set of ears under the rear, jump up and down on the bumper. LOL

 

[J_C]

Yeah, I'd guess suspension rubber too. If you have some Armor-All or similar silicone emulsion liquid spray, I'd use that, or otherwise just some dish detergent solution, to wet each rubber bushing/etc in turn and test to see if the squeak goes away.

Then again, if it only squeaks getting out, I might take my sweet time tracking down something like that and wait till I decided the rear bushings needed replaced due to suspension play, or just put it off till spring to replace them all since they aren't very expensive, though in SC your winter is probably milder than mine.

 

[koda2000]

Most likely rear sway bar end links.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

I didn't even know the rear on these had sway bars, I somewhat remember my 99 not having a sway bar under the back, wouldn't surprise me for the 01 to have one though really. I'll have to take a look and see what I can figure out, it didn't squeak earlier, oddly enough, might be a temp related issue. The winters here are strange, they're either mild cold, or freezing, we don't get salt either way, nor snow generally, so working on it isn't a problem weather wise, unless it's raining

 

[koda2000]

pretty sure all the gen II's had rear sway bars. the rear links are nothing like the fronts. the rears have a bolt that runs through a metal bushing. eventually the bushings wear and rust, then they squeak. You can remove the bolts, clean and grease them, but the bushings (or the end-links) need to be replaced for a more permanent fix. I found replacing the bushings is about 1/2 the cost of replacing the link, but three times the aggravation.

 

[Prince_Polaris]

When I got my 98 sport inspected they found out that the sway bars were all messed up, and then they fixed it, so I guess I'm glad that was taken care of early!

 

[swshawaii]

^ What do mean messed up? Have yet to hear of a sway bar getting bent, especially the front. If you mean broken end links or bushings,
they are among the most commonly failed suspension parts with Explorers. Also, a very common source of squeaking are worn or dry
sway bar FRAME bushings, inspect them occasionally.

 

[Prince_Polaris]

^ What do mean messed up? Have yet to hear of a sway bar getting bent, especially the front. If you mean broken end links or bushings,
they are among the most commonly failed suspension parts with Explorers. Also, a very common source of squeaking are worn or dry
sway bar FRAME bushings, inspect them occasionally.

I don't remember what specifically was wrong with them, I'll have to see if I can find the report later!

 

[RandomNerd2000]

On the frame bushings, with the age these trucks are, I'd just go ahead and change them, my 99 had originals when I bought it, and they squeaked a good bit.

 

[swshawaii]

As noted above, J C's method of pinpointing squeaks works well. I've even done it using water in a spray bottle. Many here prefer using polyurethane bushings compared to thermoplastic rubber because it's much more durable, firmer, and usually enhances handling and feel.
Only drawback is poly tends to squeak, especially in cold temperatures. Manufacturers such as ES, Prothane, and Daystar almost always supply an adequate amount of lubricant with their kits. Stickiest grease I've ever used, even solved my door hinge rubber roller "pop" when opening due to a flat spot. Here's a complete poly kit from ES that includes end link bushings. I always use black with graphite to help prevent squeaks. Disregard both fitment guides that only list 1995-97 Explorers. 4.5153 kit is compatible with all 1995-01 (Gen 2) that use 19mm (3/4") rear sway bars. Prothane 61132 appears identical, wouldn't surprise me if it's a rebranded ES kit. GL

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/4.5153

http://www.prothanesuspensionparts.com/61132

 

[hlg99]

What condition are your leaf spring shackles in?

 

[RandomNerd2000]

It's been in SC since new, it only has some surface rust, the shackles look new, the 99, the whole undercarriage looks new on it, everything looks like it did when it was new, that's what SC for it's whole life does to one