creeks and groans are strokin me out
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 535
Likes: 1
From: sa texas
My efforts have finally paid off and I am free of the agonizing noise that plagued me from the front end of my F150. My 4X4 has the strut (coil over) suspension up front and from what I have not seen any post on is the top part of the strut mount called a strut bearing. This part is where the shock mounts and it had worn an oblong hole in it causing a small rattle. Now the creaking and or grinding noise may very well been caused by this or the lower ball joint I am not really sure. But not only were the lower ball joint replaced, I installed new shocks and these bearing plates. I installed Moog lower ball joints and strut bearing plates from Napa, part # 261-3510. These set me back a hundred and fifty plus for the pair of them over and above the ball joints. The struts (coil over) shocks were Monroe Reflex, which were warranted and cost me nothing to replace. I have no creaking or binding noise anymore when turning to the left and I feel the difference in the ride as well with the new struts. I originally installed the struts myself about 3 years ago but this time I had a local garage do the work so with labor and parts my repair set me back a shade over $500. I should be good for a while! 
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Ida, MI
http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/%2...Dn=0&Dk=1&Dp=3
Rock Auto has them cheaper
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1129569
In the center is where my problem was, and I did post that the hole was oblong but to be specific this is where the shock was loose. You could actually feel it move from side to side when you touched the top of the shock and had someone bounce the truck. This caused a bit of a rattle just like a loose shock (same sound as was on my 97 F150 4X4) and you could see rust around the area when looking down at it from under the hood. When I placed a socket on the shock stud it just spun very easily.
I have read complaints about Fords suspensions and this just being a weak area you should inspect this area carefully.
I do know the shocks were tight when installed 3 years ago because I installed them. I have dealt with this shop for a good 10 years and trust them. Truck has no noise what-so-ever now when turning the wheel, no rattle and for the Monroe Reflex struts (which they are referred as) they did add a firmness to the ride but not stiffness (plus they are lifetime warranted).
One more issue is that when I went to Napa, there computer gives a different setup on my front end, even telling them I have the new style 04. If you go to Napa, and if you have a 04, tell them to research an 05 and you will get different parts view... That's what I had to do.
Do a bit of price checking on this part... I needed them like NOW so I jumped at them at Napa, but may have found them cheaper somewhere else.
Last edited by No-Tyme; Oct 8, 2009 at 08:21 AM. Reason: additional info
Junior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
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creeks and groans
i am haveing the same problem, but i have already eliminated ball joints and tie rod ends. i had my mechanic change them all. im now wonding if its actually the steering rack. if you have figured this out please let me know