squeeky noise

[greekprincess]

I have a 02' explorer sport 4.0 L. Everytime i turn the wheel it makes a squeaky noise and it also happens whenever I go over even a small bump. Some one told me it was just because of the wheather change, but I don't think that is the problem. I'm assumping it may be the suspension, but then would that cause the squeaking when I turn the wheel too??

 

[exploded99]

A couple of things to check in the front suspension:

Ball joints can dry out (not enough grease) and start squeaking.

Tie rod ends can dry out and start squeaking.

Sway bar bushings can dry out and squeak. These squeak over bumps, the other two squeak when bumping and / or turning.

Those would be the things I would look at first!

 

[Haziness8]

happend to me too, it was the lower ball joints with me. sometimes also it goes away by itself after a week. But yes, ball joints might be too dry.

 

[greekprincess]

Thanx for the help...Just one more question shouldi use lithium spray grease or a molly type regular grease and also is there zerk fittings on the front end?......Thanks again

 

[FexplorerV8]

how would you grease all of this?

 

[exploded99]

There are no zerk fittings - car manufacturers have pretty much quit putting them in.

With the ball joints, you may be able to use a needle type fitting on a grease gun and either lift the dust boot and shoot a bunch in, or pierce the back of the boot and shoot some in thru a small hole. It will work for awhile. Eventually, you will need new ball joints - you may already.

Tie rod ends would work the same way - use the regular chassis grease in a gun for both of these.

Sway bar bushings can be sprayed with a silicone lubricant.

Hope it works!

 

[FexplorerV8]

thanks

 

[FexplorerV8]

well i just got done cheking the whole front end of my car and it looks horrible the boots of all 4 ball joins are jacked, i checked for grease and found all kinds of crap in there sand, mud, and no grease, im very glad i have air impact tools because i will be replacing the whole front end pretty soon.... for now i will buy the needle fitting and deal with the squeaking.