Suspecting Ball Joint problems...

[96ExplorerXL4x4]

I read through this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158733&highlight=Ball+Joint

My most common problem I'm haaving is front end squeeking, BAD! Every little bump exerts a squeek. It is also bad when i turn the wheel at low speeds, the squeek and squeel is prolonged while turning.

This sound like ball joint problems? I was rather suprised that my 110k mile explorer is having this issue when my parents 1995 Aerostar has never had this issue. What is the average life of ball joints? Why did Ford seal them?! :fire:

Any help/pics/suggestions are much apriciated!

thanks
-john

 

[Mbrooks420]

110k on Ball joints in an Explorer is pretty good. Before you make the plunge I'd spray the sway bar bushings with some wd-40. If the squeaking changes or goes away, you probably just need new bushings. You can get replacement ball joints that have grease fittings. I purchased mine at Napa.

 

[96ExplorerXL4x4]

110k on Ball joints in an Explorer is pretty good. Before you make the plunge I'd spray the sway bar bushings with some wd-40. If the squeaking changes or goes away, you probably just need new bushings. You can get replacement ball joints that have grease fittings. I purchased mine at Napa.

Ok, well, WD-40 the hell outta them. Didn't change anything

Before I WD-40, took some pics. Anything look abnormally bad?

 

[Mbrooks420]

The top picture is the swar bar end links. These usually last longer than the bushings. Spray this thing.

 

[hoobs1]

I have a 96XLT and have 192k miles on mine. The ball joints started to go at 130 but there were no squeks (only some abnormal tire wear). To check the the ball joints lift the front axle off the ground and see if the tire has "slop" in it. With a bad ball joint you'll be able to move the tire up and down with little force.
One other thing, Ford has a recall out on the torsion bar connecting rods you took a picture of. One of my actually fell completely off. The noise you described was similar to what I was hearing although I would describe it as more of a klunk. Then the noise went away so I looked and the damn thing had fallen completely off. But Ford replaced it for free. I'd start by contacting your Ford dealer and get those replaced for free to see if that fixes the problem.

 

[96ExplorerXL4x4]

I have a 96XLT and have 192k miles on mine. The ball joints started to go at 130 but there were no squeks (only some abnormal tire wear). To check the the ball joints lift the front axle off the ground and see if the tire has "slop" in it. With a bad ball joint you'll be able to move the tire up and down with little force.
One other thing, Ford has a recall out on the torsion bar connecting rods you took a picture of. One of my actually fell completely off. The noise you described was similar to what I was hearing although I would describe it as more of a klunk. Then the noise went away so I looked and the damn thing had fallen completely off. But Ford replaced it for free. I'd start by contacting your Ford dealer and get those replaced for free to see if that fixes the problem.

See, that's what I have been told. The tires are not sloping at all and the tire seems to not move easily.

I have also heard that torsion bars do the clunk, but there is not clunking sound, just horrible squeeking. Do you know when they recalled this? I have old reciepts from when the truck was serviced (was exclusivley taken to the dealer for all work since new) and I'll see if that was done.

thanks for the info hoobs1 !

 

[96ExplorerXL4x4]

other than the infamous firestone recall, this is all I could find in the info on a recall:

thoughts?

 

[hoobs1]

I believe that is the recall I was talking about...check out this site...
http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/news/messages/936.html

 

[Mbrooks420]

The thing in your first picture is the "sway bar link" your reciept is talking about. When these are worn out they do make a clunking sound when going over bumps. They are not related to the torsion bars as stated above. The thing I posted a picture of can make a squeaking sound, and your receipt doesn't have those on it. That's where I'd start.

 

[hoobs1]

The thing in your first picture is the "sway bar link" your reciept is talking about. When these are worn out they do make a clunking sound when going over bumps. They are not related to the torsion bars as stated above. The thing I posted a picture of can make a squeaking sound, and your receipt doesn't have those on it. That's where I'd start.

Not related to the Torsion bar??? Let's try to get the facts right on this forum... all Explorers and Mountaineers 1995-1999 use a Torsion bar to give the spring force in the suspension. The torsion bar also functions as a sway bar but because it provides the spring force it is technically a torsion bar. Now if you've got a 91-94 Explorer or Mountaineer you've got a coil spring and a sway bar not a torsion bar.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The thing on your truck that broke off is not part of the torsion bar setup. It is part of the sway bar. The torsion bar does not act as a sway bar, but as a torsion bar. The sway bar acts like a sway bar, hence the name. I am fully aware of what Explorers use a torsion bar setup. And if you want to get the facts straight all Explorers and Mountaineers 95-2007 use a torsion bar suspension, and all Explorers, Navajo's, and Mountaineers 91-2007 have sway bars.

 

[96ExplorerXL4x4]

Ok, I just got done with the drivers side ball joint and what a pain in the ass!!!! BUT, it got rid of the squeek, so I think i can drive it around for the weekend. I'm going to tear into the pass. side on sunday