I have a 1997 F150 Supercab 2x4. When turning the steering a load squeak is heard under the hood. I have tried to locate the source but have not. I have sprayed WD-40 in some areas, but that has not helped. Any suggestions?

rreeves

 

Accessory drive belt? For the cost of drive belts, the first thing I would do is replace the one that drive the power steering pump. Don't mess with the belt dressing spray. It works is a pinch, but once used all the pullys, etc as gunked up with it's stickyness.

 

Unfortunately I really doubt this is related to any belts!! This sounds like the same problem I have with my '97 F-150 too. I don't have a solution and REALLY hope that someone comes through on this though!! But basically I've heard it referred to as "The Ford Squeak"!! It's an incredibly annoying sound that screams out whenever you turn the wheel (usually louder to one side than the other but doesn't necessarily hold to any specific protocol) when moving at slower speeds or at a full stop. I too have pumped my truck full of WD-40 in order to pin point the spot, but have been completely unsuccessful!! From what I've heard.....it's NOT an easy fix, but hopefully I've heard WRONG!!

Somebody on this GIANT site of F-150 owners surely knows what we're talking about and will HOPEFULLY chime in!! PLEASE!!

 

There was a thread posted on 5-12-2001 from Mike who had the same problem. Someone had given him a solution that worked. His reply is not detailed enough to know what he did. I found it and this site by doing a random internet search for "squeaky steering."

 

You might want to check under the front end. It could be the pitman arm squealing. There are plenty of previous posts if you do a search.

 

Yes, I believe your EXACTLY right!! Shortly after I posted my reply I clicked on the "search" button and found plenty about the "Pitman Arm squeak"!! I'm totally convinced that this is my problem and the person who started this threads problem as well!!

Basically there are two known cures for this "squeak".......
One is to take in your truck to a mechanic and have your Pitman Arms replaced by a pro, which I'm sure wont be cheap! And the other involves poking a hole (needle attachment on the tip of your grease gun should do the trick) through the rubber boot that covers the arm joint and injecting some lube/grease into it. Most people seem to have said that this does work!! The trick is using some sort of silicon sealant to seal the hole after you have injected the grease. How much seems to vary as the lube will spill back out of the hole you've created making it a bit of a pain to seal.

But don't take my word on any of this!! I couldn't get exact links to these posts that I've found, so you'll have to research for yourselves!!

So click that search button above and type in "steering squeak" and then do another for "pitman arm squeak" for some descent results!!

I'm gonna give this a shot myself....GOOD LUCK ALL!!

~****

 

Put grease fittings in all of your tie rods and ball joints.

 

I had the pitman arm squeak, and I have posted how I fixed it using the needle grease gun....there should be tons of posts. Its worked for over a year on my 97 with no probs whatsoever. And it INSTANTLY cures that embarrassing CRRRRREEEEAAKAKKKAKK in parking lots! just search that old squeaky pitman.....I think you'll be glad you did