Suspension Squeak- Best way to find it?

[goheels681]

Within the last week or so, my Explorer has started emitting a loud, obnoxious squeaking noise from what seems to only be the front driver's side. This noise will occur when going over any size bump, and also while turning the wheel while moving slowly in a parking lot.

Everything I've read so far points to it being the lower ball joint. Last time the Ex was in the shop, they told me that my CV axle boots were torn and would need replacing soon, but I never looked to verify that, nor do I have any idea if that's causing any of this problem. I've seen the $600+ estimates to replace the ball joint, and would like to try it myself if at all possible. I likely also need new shocks in the near future as it fails the bumper-bounce test quite miserably.

That being said, what's the best way to track down the single part that's making this noise, and how feasible would that part be to replace on my own?

 

[TBMounty50]

My money is on the lower ball joint. They arent the most difficult repair on these trucks but it depends on your experience and tool availability of course. Check for some how to threads on here and that will give you a good idea on whether you want to tackle it or not. The axle will be a piece of cake to replace once it's torn down for the ball joint.

 

[rego]

I have a 2000 with only 36,000 miles and had the lower ball joints on both sides start to squeak last winter. I lubed everything to find the first one including the lower ball joint to no avail only to find that I didn't inject enough lube in the boot to take care of it. I now own a needle adapter (<$5) for grease guns and injected all boots until they started to bulge ever so slightly. They took a lot of lube. This solved my problem and I think I'm going to all my other cars too.

 

[1998Exp]

I wouldn't exclude the possibility of worn shocks. If they lost much oil (easy to tell by the leak) they will squeak, and it's time for replacement.

 

[Steeda90GT]

I have a 2000 with only 36,000 miles and had the lower ball joints on both sides start to squeak last winter. I lubed everything to find the first one including the lower ball joint to no avail only to find that I didn't inject enough lube in the boot to take care of it. I now own a needle adapter (<$5) for grease guns and injected all boots until they started to bulge ever so slightly. They took a lot of lube. This solved my problem and I think I'm going to all my other cars too.

I did this too and it worked great. I nursed my lower balljoints for about 3 years till I finally got them replaced. BTW it only cost me $225 for both side, including parts and labor. Dont let these shops fool you that its a hard job and you need to pay $600+ Thats just insane to me.

I watched them do it, and it literally took them 10-15min for each side...and my truck's suspension is pretty rusty (100+k miles)

 

[goheels681]

Alright, I ordered two Moog LBJs from Amazon which should be here shortly. A local shop quoted me ~$150 for just labor since I provided my own parts ($61 shipped). Is that reasonable? I'd be more inclined to do it myself, but I'm at school with only a few tools, and I can't risk messing anything up in the time being.

As far as the shocks go, I'm going to replace them myself over the summer when I'm at home and have free time. The Ex sways pretty violently side-to-side if you hit a speed bump off center, and it fails the bounce test pretty terribly (keeps swaying for a good 4-5 seconds)

 

[Steeda90GT]

$150 for labor sounds about right. Like I said, I spend $225 and that included parts & labor.

I would suggest against the moog garbage though, get a different LBJ.

 

[jlsparky7]

I have moog ball joints on my ranger. 60k miles no problems. Lube them once a year or so

 

[SoNic67]

And the shocks are easy to replace. Don't buy cheap ones thou! I have Monroe Sensatrac and they made a lot of difference in the ride quality. Also, some people prefer the Monroe Reflex ones (almost same price)... Wait for a deal like buy 3 get one free and replace all four of them.

 

[Steeda90GT]

I have moog ball joints on my ranger. 60k miles no problems. Lube them once a year or so

How old are they? Moog used to be halfway decent, but their quality went down the tubes in recent years..