I have the steering squeak that was covered in an earlier post. I called the local Ford dealer and they said they would need to replace the entire Pitman arm for approx $200. That seems a bit excessive, so I would like to try the fix that was mentioned (grease injected into bushing with needle gun, hole sealed with RTV silicone). Problem is that I am not really experienced with such things. What grease/silicone should I use? Which bushing, exactly, is the culprit (when looking under vehicle, what is the bushing next to)? How long should this fix take? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

-Mike

 

The pitman arm is attached to the bottom of the power steering box, which is bolted to the frame below the radiator just inside driver side tire. Most of the other steering related bushings have grease fittings so I would recommend lubing those first, as it is often difficult to pinpoint squeaks of this nature.
Any quality bearing/bushing grease will work I used a Vavoline synthetic because it was in the gun, I made the needle injector from a piece of 3/16 steel rod by force threading a grease fittng in one end and cutting the other at a 45 degree angle, however I have seen these available at several auto part stores.
Insert "needle" into rubber bushing wall and fill until it flows back out, wipe of excess, clean bushing and seal, I used Permatex Ultra Black RTV, idealy the silicone should dry before driving. Other than rigging up a needle You should be in and out in 20 mins. My fix has held up for over a year now- no squeaks- no leaks.
Hope this helps!!


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97 F-150 XLT Ext.cab
5.4 auto o/d, 3.55 LS
Elct. 4x4, Tow Pkg.
Capt. Chairs, Console
Two Tone paint,Black on Silver
Ford Bed Liner,Soft Tonneau
Bug sheild
Sony xplode CDX-600,MTX 325watt amp, 2 10" JBL subs.
Stock and Love It

 

CDeHeer97,
Thank you very much for clarifying that for me. Doesn't sound too difficult. As a note, I went around town today to different shops and they all said that I was asking for trouble if I punctured a factory sealed sleeve (one guy even looked at me like I was crazy for even contemplating such an action). Regardless, I'll get under my truck asap and make sure that it definitely is the Pitman arm bushing making the noise. If so, I'll give the fix a try. Thanks again.

-Mike

 

If it's dry enough to squeak you have nothing to lose, and as I said mine has been holding up great.
Good luck!

 

DD-976-

You are not crazy for suggesting it, this little trick has been done by dozens of us, with no problems. Some mechanics just can't think outside their own little box. You need a grease gun, and obviously grease. You need a grease needle which costs about $5.00 on top of the grease gun. And a small squeeze bottle of Silicone RTV sealant, which sells at any auto or hardware store for another $5.00. Simply puncture the rubber bushing, squeeze some grease in, and pull out. Be careful to puncture only once, and not stick right through the other side. Also, do not put too much grease into the bushing that it comes squeezing back out of the hole like toothpaste from a tube.

Then wipe all excess grease off thoroughly from around the tiny puncture, and put a good fairly thick coating of the RTV on and around the hole with your finger. Let dry for however long it says to, and you are done. This little method cured my squeaking noise, and saved me $190.

 

CDeHeer97 and JimW,
I am definitely taking your guys' word for it and I appreciate the help. I have the gun, the needle, the grease, and the Ultra Black. I checked as best I could and it does appear to be emanating from near the steering box. To be absolutely sure, it is the rubber sleeve that is sandwiched between the lower end of the Pitman arm and the center link, right? Or is it the sleeve that is sandwiched between the upper end of the Pitman arm and the steering box?
At any rate, I sincerely appreciate the assistance. I know what you mean about the $190...that is approximately what the repair (replaced Pitman arm) would cost me up here. I'll take $20 and a little effort over that any day. Thanks again.

Mike

 

Actually, disregard that last post...I figured it out. The RTV is drying now, I'll post something if it works. Thanks again for the assistance.

-Mike