koda2000
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- September 2, 2011
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Most vehicles to not come from the factory with grease fitting parts anymore. Heck my 1971 Plymouth Road Runner didn't come with grease fittings.The sealed joints are considered "sealed for life" which means the life of the joint, not the life of the vehicle. Ford's OE sealed ball joint's boots deteriorate pretty quickly allowing dirt and water to get in the joint, destroying the joint. I prefer having the grease fittings, but I guess most people don't bother greasing their chassis, so sealed joints last longer.
My 2001 ST started squeaking horribly this past spring. The upper and lower ball joints were original at 185k. I replaced both upper and lower ball joints with less expensive Moog and Quick Steer parts from RockAuto for around $100 (unlike my '01 EB, my ST doesn't deserve Moog problem Solvers). I've also purchased, but haven't installed yet, Moog poly sway bar end-links. Worn/broken end-links cause knock/thuds and poor corning, not squeaks. Sway bar bushings can cause squeaks, but at 200k I have little doubt that your ball joints are shot. If your control arm bushings are also worn you should just replace them and they'll come with the new ball joints installed.
My 2001 ST started squeaking horribly this past spring. The upper and lower ball joints were original at 185k. I replaced both upper and lower ball joints with less expensive Moog and Quick Steer parts from RockAuto for around $100 (unlike my '01 EB, my ST doesn't deserve Moog problem Solvers). I've also purchased, but haven't installed yet, Moog poly sway bar end-links. Worn/broken end-links cause knock/thuds and poor corning, not squeaks. Sway bar bushings can cause squeaks, but at 200k I have little doubt that your ball joints are shot. If your control arm bushings are also worn you should just replace them and they'll come with the new ball joints installed.
