Suspension Squeaks like crazy!

[Bronston]

I know the thread is a bit old but it's what comes up at the top on google so I figured I'd share how I fixed similar problems.

All I did was install grease zerks in everything, ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings. Just drill a hole right in the middle and shove a zerk in it. Squirt grease into it until it squirts out the ends, problem solved.

On the bushings I drilled through the center of the tube the bushing goes in from the bottom and through the bushing until I hit the bolt that goes through the arm. Put in the zerk and pumped grease until it came out either side of the bushing.

One note, you probably would have a lot easier time with this if you get a tap and actually tap the holes for the zerks. I just kind of shoved my zerks into the holes, half of them pulled out when I tried to pull the grease gun off, oh well, I'll just shove a new one in there if I ever need to grease them again.

 

[1ne2woBe]

Afternoon everyone. @Bronston, first thing that came up as well in google for me too.

I have had this squeaking for years in my '99 XLT 4x4. Same exact symptoms as most. Front end squeaks during turns and pretty much any bump. One year my brother and I took silicone spray to every single moving part of the frontend and still could not get 100% of the squeaking out. But that didn't matter as it came back not too long after anyway. None of my joints have grease zerks.

So I've been buying alot of crap on Amazon, and came across this:
https://www.amazon.com/Detroit-Axle...6&sr=8-3&keywords=99+ford+explorer+suspension

• Both (2) Front Upper Control Arms w/Ball Joints and 2 Lower Ball Joints
• All (4) Inner and Outer Tie Rod Ends and 2 Rack and Pinion Boots w/Bellows
• Both (2) Sway Bar End Links

I like this setup due to I get new bushings as well as ties, rods, etc, and they also come with zerks too. All for 100.00 shipped. Can you think of any other joints I may need to purchase to replace? Or do you guys believe this will most likely take care of the dreaded squeaking?

Thank you.

 

[koda2000]

My '01 Sport Trac had started squeaking really badly a few weeks ago (187k on OE parts). I just replaced the lower ball joints and upper control arms the other day. No more squeaking. I bought Quick Steer lower bj's and Moog upper control arms from RockAuto. Cost was around $100. Tomorrow I will make an appointment to get a wheel alignment ($66 plus caster/camber bolt kits as needed). My tie rods were fine, but I will be replacing my front sway bar end links with Moog Poly's very soon.

Your lower control arm bushings and sway bar bushings should also be checked.

 

[1ne2woBe]

Thanks for the reply @koda2000. Are "sway bar bushings" the same as "Both (2) Sway Bar End Links"?

 

[koda2000]

Thanks for the reply @koda2000. Are "sway bar bushings" the same as "Both (2) Sway Bar End Links"?

No. The sway bar bushings are the bushings that are bolted to the frame that the actual sway bar rotates in. Inexpensive and easy to change,

 

[1ne2woBe]

No. The sway bar bushings are the bushings that are bolted to the frame that the actual sway bar rotates in. Inexpensive and easy to change,

Great. Thank you sir. I'll add what you suggested to my cart.

 

[1ne2woBe]

Will I have to buy 4 of these?

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-45G9...:explorer&keywords=lower+control+arm+bushings

And 4 of these?

https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Steer-...1999:ford:explorer&keywords=sway+bar+bushings

 

[koda2000]

Will I have to buy 4 of these?

https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-45G9273-Professional-Suspension-Control/dp/B000EQRXFK/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1478993343&vehicle=1999-54-663-656--9-6-8-3482--9-1-851-138-1-0&sr=1-1&ymm=1999:ford:explorer&keywords=lower+control+arm+bushings

And 4 of these?


https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Steer-K80081-Sway-Bushing/dp/B00C5TN29K/ref=sr_1_23?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1478993755&vehicle=1999-54-663-656--9-6-8-3482--9-1-851-138-1-0&sr=1-23&ymm=1999:ford:explorer&keywords=sway+bar+bushings

If you need the control bushings, yes 4. They will need to be pressed it, so not an easy DIY job.

No, just 2 of the sway bar bushings in the correct diameter for you sway bar.

 

[david4451]

Be careful my ST uses 2 AC Delco 455G9273 bushing lower control arm FRONT POSITION
AND lower control arm REARWARD is different size. See Rockauto for part API270095500.

 

[Marian]

Hey this is probably a real easy problem but my suspension on my Explorer XLT is squeaking like hell, when i turn, hit a bump or anything and its loud too. Any Suggestions and is this common in explorers? I had the same problem with my 02' XSport.

I’ve got the same problem

 

[Marian]

I’ve got to find someone to check mine last month one garage charged me 300 dollars for back shocks they gave me a quote when I took it there kept it 7 days and a 300 dollar bill a whole paycheck

 

[koda2000]

The bushings don't typically squeak, but worn out, dry ball joints sure do.

 

[Marian]

You think it’s ball joints

 

[Marian]

The bushings don't typically squeak, but worn out, dry ball joints sure do.

Ok I need to have them check it’s my only ride

 

[donalds]

Mine made a creepy squeak it was lower ball joints