I've posted here before about a squeaky front end. I also did some searching on here last night, some people have found it was there coil springs, some have had to reseat them, others have had to put garden hose of the bottom of them.

The noise comes and goes and is back at full force right now.

But this time I got a video of the squeaky and some pictures. Just looking for a good second opinion on the possible cause. I almost think I need to start by re-seating my coil springs and see what happens.

Judging by the boots and the tire rub (pictures below) I think my ball joints are shot, at least both uppers, but not sure if that is the source of the noise. Power Steering Box doesn't leak and is full of fluid. I've uploaded some pictures and a video when steering left to right and some up and down.



View of upper BJ on passenger side.


View from distance, torn boot


Bottom BJ, passenger side


Another view of passenger side


Bottom driver side


Top BJ driver side


Tire rub, driver side


Where tire is rubbing, bottom control arm below shock mount bolt, driver side

And here is the squeaky video


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCq3xCam4Ew

Thanks in advance.

 

Nice kids.
Yeah, that's the same noise my sister's Ranger had before she had to have the ball joints replaced. Her's made a popping noise too.

 

I would be replacing all four ball-joints & the upper & lower A arm bushings, and what ever else that tests/looks bad. I would "not" replace the coil springs at this time.

 

Thanks guys. Sounds like it's ball joint time. Then to an alignment shop, got a slight pull to the right, which should be the cause of the tiring rubbing on the bottom control arm.

 

those ball joints look scary. thats a fatal vehicle incendent waiting to happen. i wouldnt drive until those things are replaced

 

I concur with this plan of action.

 

+ whatever the count is on the ball joints. Mine were that bad and I replaced today.

I would also look at tie rod ends, idler arm, and pitman arm as I doubt they have been greased more frequently than the ball joints.

Cannot tell about the squeaking noise, but it sounds like my power steering pump did. It had been run dry by previous owner several times due to massive fluid hemmoraging at gearbox. Still sounded bad when it was full. I would look at fluid and if it looks contaminated, flush it.

If it squeaks if you push down on chassis, I would also check control arm bushings. That front end looks like it has had some serious neglect over the years. Anytime the rubber boots are deteriorated on these joints, the grease gets contaminated and causes excessive wear.

 

Searching some old post's for info. The squeak was indeed the ball joints on the driver side. I was gonna take pictures of the old joints to show ya'll how bad they were, but I can't find them anymore, oh well.

 

What? You threw away the old parts? Why would you do that?

 

I didn't throw them away, I simply can't find them

They'll turn up sooner or later.