Squeeking noise question (picture included)

[97splorer]

this part shown here has been squeeking when I drive, ar even get in or out of my truck. I checked the ball joints...and there is no play when I try and move the wheel. If I have the wheels turned all the way in either direction, it will not squeek even when I shake the hell out of the truck. Any ideas on how to get rid of the noise????

 

[X~FACTOR]

How do you know for sure that is the culprit?

 

[mrboyle]

The item you have circled is the upper ball joint. The only way to fix the problem is to replace them.

 

[fastkart]

I bought my x about 2 months ago with 50k on it. I just took it to the shop today to have a creeking noise from the front checked out. It happend going over bumps, stopping/starting , and even steering at times. They said "inner tie rods are binding & lower ball joint & upper control arm are loose." They said around $1,200. I have already had to have the thermostat replaced and the aftermarket remote starter (which was put in before i bought the truck) taken out since it almost barbecued my X. I love driving it and eveything , but i don't know how much more my wallet can take.