Just wondering if anyone has ever had a problem with something in the steering on 97 and above Ford F-150's and Expy's, My wife has 97 Expy Eddie Bauer and my 97 F-150 4x4 are squeaking really bad when turning corners. Sounds like its coming from a tie rod or steering link. Hoping for some info on this one.

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Does it sound like an old door creaking? If it does then, do a search on pitman arms. They tend to start squeaking on a lot of our trucks after 35,000 miles or so. Some people have had them replaced entirely, and there is a great thread somewhere on the board about greasing them. Thats what I did and it worked great. Better to spend $5.00 on a tube of high quality grease as opposed to $80.00 on having the dealership replace it entirely.

 

I had to replace my pitman arm and upper and lower ball joints. The squeaking you are speaking of got so loud I could hear it inside my truck w/ the doors closed. There are no grease fittings so I am not to sure if it is possible to lube the front end... atleast that is what the dealer told me. good luck



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98 Ford F150 Supercab stepside 50th Anniv. Completely stock----- for now.

93 Mustang GT- 600 hp, caged, blown, 10.37@131mph, and passes Mass emissions,

 

My 1997 4X4 is doing the same thing and I am pretty sure it is the Pitman Arm. I have 56K miles. My local dealer want's $350.00 to replace. I pumped some grease in the boot with a needle fitting on a grease gun and did not fix the problem. I may have waited too long. Anyway, a local 4X4 shop quoted me $200.00 to replace and I will probably pay it and move on.

Good Luck.

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TRUCK:
1997 F150 4X4 LARIAT
OFF ROAD
TOW PACKAGE
B&W GOOSENECK HITCH
SHORT BED
RAM STEPS
2500# HELPER SPRINGS
5.4 L

 

Same thing on my 97 4x4. It is the pitman arm, and I too tried the grease needle thing that someone had done. No luck, quoted 250 by my mechanic to fix. I bought louder pipes. lol, if if gets louder, gotta upgrade the stereo...

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97 supercab flareside 4x4, 5.4, cd changer, captians chairs, bedliner, hard cover, 17 in rims

 

pitman arm

 

LakeNut,

It is the Pitman arm. Had mine replaced under warranty back in 98. Good Luck!

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