Why does the front end squeak on the Explorer?

[Imxtc4u]

:exp:I've noticed that the majority of explorers have this issue and mine is no exception. Why is this and what can I do to fix this

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section. Check the front end rubber bushings, and the shocks.

 

[Lube]

Usually either bad ball joints, bad sway bar bushings or bad control arm bushings.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Its typically bad balljoints (since theyre sealed from the factory) or bushings. Usually all control arm related. Try getting in there with a grease gun. Hit all 4 control arm bushings, see if that quiets it down a bit.

If it doesnt, then inspect your balljoints, if they are ripped theyre done...but you might be able to get by with shooting them with a grease gun (you need a needle attachment)

 

[sport97]

I had a squeak from bad ball joints. It got much better when all 4 were replaced as they were shot. The squeak still existed, I figured I had a bad shock but it still exists after 4 new shocks(they were blown out and needed replaced anyway). At this point it has to be bushings. Try getting a spray lubricant or something and squirting the bushings and see if that helps. But check the ball joints as mentioned above.

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

Ball joints. My squeaked and squawked until I replaced them.

Get The Moog ones from RockAuto.com with a 5% coupon code (search the forum). Good quality, and they come with zurks for re-greasing.

I suggest replacing the lowers by themselves with a press and replacing both upper control arms. Don't try to press the upper ball joints out; it's much easier to just replace the control arm.

Just my $0.02.

 

[explorer006]

My explorer does this. I went to have it alinged and the ball joints was bad and its about 500 dollars to replace. Keep a eye on the grease in them. Off roading will wear them out fast with out proper greasing.

 

[Steeda90GT]

At this point it has to be bushings. Try getting a spray lubricant or something and squirting the bushings and see if that helps. But check the ball joints as mentioned above.

You're absolutely right. So many Explorer owner overlook the lower bushings.. They just press in new balljoints.

My suggestion: If you're going to replace the lower balljoints, just replace the entire arms. Sure it's more money for the part, but at least you know it's done right. Plus the labor is actually easier/cheaper at a shop to have it done.

 

[ERUSH97XLT]

You're absolutely right. So many Explorer owner overlook the lower bushings.. They just press in new balljoints.

New ball joints fixed my sqeak. This was done after feeling vibration on the castle nut when I raised the front end.

If your curious about your ball joints, feel for vibration, and check for any play by raising the front end and trying to move the wheel up and down, then sideways. The wheels should feel very solid. If I recall correctly, the Ford manual says any play more than one millimeter indicates a worn ball joint.

I'm also not discounting any other suspension component. Try to test by feeling for any audible vibration in any of the components before tearing anything apart.

Hope this helps.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

Good info, gonna try to grease mine up. Front end has been squeaking since I bought my Ex in early October. How hard is it to change out the ball joints? Been trying to find a thread on here about it, but no luck.

 

[swshawaii]

Lower:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188225

Upper:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194453

 

[haphop]

First and easiest is to remove the sway bar bushings and inspect . If ok, grease or use some silicone spray on them. Inspect the sway bar links while your at it. It could be that or ball joints, tie rod ends or the shocks. I would hit the ball joints with some spray lub and see if it quietens down for awhile.

It turned out to be the sway bar bushings on mine.


2000XLT V8 189k mi

 

[Steeda04SVT]

Good info, gonna try that on my days off this week.

Lower:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188225

Upper:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194453

Thanks for the link with the info.