Squeeeeeeeeeeeky front end

[toddious]

thanks for the help everyone, but i still don't know where i'm supposed to put this grease at?

anyone have a diagram or anything that could help me out? or just a picture?

i tried looking on how stuff works, but it didn't really help..... thanks!

 

[jwhawg]

You may not have a "bad" anything. I used about a tablespoon of DINO oil on both sway bar bushings. Got rid of my noise completly.
GL
JWHawg

 

[rhyno]

The bushings that are probably squeeking are attached to the a-arms. Hit them with some WD-40. I had the same problem on mine when it got cold this winter.

 

[Ryan1]

thanks for the help everyone, but i still don't know where i'm supposed to put this grease at?

anyone have a diagram or anything that could help me out? or just a picture?

i tried looking on how stuff works, but it didn't really help..... thanks!

Try this

http://www.parts.com/partlocator/in...1996&graphicID=T028050&callout=11&catalogid=1


Ryan

 

[davidmmm69]

perfect description

 

[south59]

I'm having the same problem, and its definitely the upper control arm on the left side. Is it a relatively easy fix? I'm due for an alignment, so should I just get them to do it?

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

I'm having the same problem, and its definitely the upper control arm on the left side. Is it a relatively easy fix? I'm due for an alignment, so should I just get them to do it?

ControlArm/Balljoint problem or Bushing?

If it's your upper balljoint, that's easy to swap - the whole control arm is $100 or so and includes new bushings (kill 2 birds with one stone). You will definitely need an alignment...but u need one anyway. Also, as i said in a previous post, "you may need a camber kit before they (you) put it all together - replaces the upper control arm bolts & will allow for better/more accurate alignment - for $23 or so it's stupid to not do it and then find out you need it for the alignment after the fact."

If it's the bushings, and i'm not sure how much they cost, you would have to buy the bushings ($25-$35?) and you still are better off with a camber kit ($23) - then your press time and/or related labor charges...

ultimately, sounds equally expensive and probably easier & better longterm to just swap the control arm/bj assembly. Good luck

 

[south59]

Thanks for the quick reply Buffalo, Its just the bushings on the drivers side upper control arm. Ive got a few follow up questions....

is a camber kit the same as the shim's i hear about alot of the explorer's neeeding when they go in for an alignment?

does a camber kit include bushings? if so, that would save me some much needed cash.

Thanks

 

[TPLYNCH]

Camber kit is the same as the shims.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

South, i PM'd you about your post...check out www.rockauto.com - aside from the cost of shipping (no tax, though) they're pretty representative of the cost of those items at local part stores...

 

[toddious]

i think i've located the noise to the passenger side upper control arm. i tried spraying the bushing with wd-40, but it didn't stop the noise at all. any suggestions?

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

I haven't done them before, but if someone else could jump in here that has replaced CA bushings that'd be great. A set (one side) of Moog bushings is less than $20 at rockauto plus s&h, so if you can manage the install, and turns out not the actual problem, at least you have new bushings

 

[south59]

i think i've located the noise to the passenger side upper control arm. i tried spraying the bushing with wd-40, but it didn't stop the noise at all. any suggestions?

The first time i sprayed them it fixed it, but the 2nd time i did it still squeaks. :thumbdwn: I'm gonna head up to O Reilly Auto where they have Moog replacement bushings for the control arm, and Ill let you know how it turns out

 

[YAMBIG]

This may sound simple, but your X is a 96. Right? You claim to be limited in the mechanical inclination field. Right? How old are your shocks? That would be a cheap and easy fix, if that has'nt already been ruled out.

 

[toddious]

well, i have air shocks, not regular shocks. i don't know if this rules out what you're trying to say or not. todd.

 

[toddious]

haha, so listen to this......

i go up to jacksonville and meet up with a bunch of ranger and hit some mud pits....

after all the tire spinning, and bouncing around, the squeek is gone!!!

at first, i thought it was just mud caked on the bushing, masking the sound, but even after pressure washing underneith the truck, still no squeek. lets hope it stays that way.

 

[becker69]

Man you got lucky I hope its some random twist of fate for you... although I have followed this thread and Sat I had 4 new tires put on and drove to Brakes Plus for an Alignment and the tech calls and says he would prefer not to align it until after the D/S Upper Control arm is replaced because there is a 'Tick" sound (almost like the tick sound of a thermostat fan) and there is slight play in the upper ball joint... funny thing is I never had a steering wallow/ wander until after I got the new tires on!!!!
:fire:

Now I'm wondering what my issues are... I need a second opinion, do more research, and investigate how much of a PITA upper control arm replacement is... (I am not mechanically inclined, either ) Let us know how this turns out for you.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

... funny thing is I never had a steering wallow/ wander until after I got the new tires on!!!!
:fire:

Now I'm wondering what my issues are... I need a second opinion, do more research, and investigate how much of a PITA upper control arm replacement is... (I am not mechanically inclined, either ) Let us know how this turns out for you.

It's likely that your old tires were worn to the point that it was "used to" the misalignment...

The upper control arm is relatively easy if you can do brakes (b/c you will have to r & reinstall the brakes to get to it). I managed to do both uppers, but could not get the lowers out, so i paid to get them done. It's really only a couple bolts once you get to it, and again, i'd suggest a camber kit so that the alignment shop doesn't tell you that your OEM kit will not get you back into spec. Probably a $110 DIY procedure plus the alignment, as opposed to 2x that. Also, if you do DIY, make sure to get a replacement with a grease fitting (i.e. MOOG) - god, i sound like a moog salesman or something...(i assure u i am not)

 

[Stuman78424]

I had the same problem with the squeek(while turning as well, it was godaweful)...i went on and replaced the lower ball joints...problem solved, they were shot...for $17 a side plus $100 deposit to rent the balljoint press. it was worth it and my ex drives better now too...if you decide to do the balljoints and since yours is a 4x4 you have to get creatve and put the entire spindle/half shaft on top of the sway bar end while your using the press

 

[mjt73]

I have a '96 that made the same noise almost under the same circumstances. Turns out it was the upper ball joint on the passenger side; also only did it when it was cold. Two ways to check...1) with vehicle off, push down on your front bumper to get it to bounce and see if that reproduces the squeek. 2) with engine running and vehicle in park, roll down the front windows and turn steering wheel all the way left and right and see if that reproduces the squeek. If so, check the boots on the upper ball joints. I actually had a very small tear in mine so I shot a bunch of grease in there using a small cyringe. That took care of it. If not...sorry dude, I tried.