My 2003 F-150 XL truck front end squeaks when I go over speed bumps, as well as makes a creaking noise when the wheels are turned. Is this indicative of failing ball joints? I recently had my upper ball joints and control arm replaced. Shortly after is when the noise started to happen. If so, do I just replace the lower ball joints and not the entire control arm? They do not look like they are in terrible condition.

Thanks in advance!

Left tire/lower ball joint

Left tire/upper & lower ball joints

Right tire/ball joint assembly

 

I would replace them.

 

First you need to find out what the problem is, where the squeak is coming from. Jack up the lower control arm and pry up on the tire to see if there is any play in ball joint.

Years ago, I had a squeaking lower ball joint in my 81 Ford Granada. The ball joint was still tight. I think the wear surface was coated with teflon and the teflon probably wore through. Anyhow, I drilled a hole in the top of the ball joint, threaded the hole and installed a grease fitting. It was hard but I was able to force some grease into the joint and no more squeak.

 

^
Another quick method I've done was using a syringe needle filled with grease. Poke it in and plop some grease in there.

I do this with CV joints to get the last amounts of life out of them...

 

 

https://mobiloil.com/en/synthetic-gr...nthetic-grease

Rubber seals on greaseable ball joints are made to hold up under grease.

Your squeaking could also be control arm bushings or stabilizer bar end links and bushings or tie rod ends.

 

Did you replace the lower control arms or upper? I replaced the lower and accidentally removed the coil spring boots that go between the springs and the arms and now they squeak. Now I have to find another set. That's why I'm here tonight to ask where I can get some...lol

 

I have no idea what you are talking about. Are you referring to the boots that go with the strut assembly?

 

They're actually called coil spring insulators.