I need some help, first off I want to know what is wrong with my frontend. Its a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2 liter v8 and 2wd. The tires were new but after 8 months, the front tires are very bald on the inner part. Now the Dodge is making a loud squeaking/screeching noise in the front end whenever I turn the wheel. The sound is mainly on the driver side. I am guessing lower ball joints....but I don't want to fix what isn't broke, any input is helpful, thanks

 

Ok jack the front of the truck up and wiggle the tires. If theres up and down play then its your ball joints, if theres alot of play side to side then its your wheel bearing. But i does sound like a ball joint.

 

Or both....

 

The dealership also replaces the A-arm bushings when they replace ball joints. The bushings also cause squeaking. With vehicle running turn your wheel if it makes noise then it is also the bushings. Rock the truck by pushing down on the fender it should also make the same sound. People who replace their own ball joints almost never replace the bushings then complain they are not able to get rid of the sound.