My '98 F150 4x4 v6 5sp is making a loud squeak out of the front right section of the truck. The noise comes whenever I turn the wheel to the right, more loudly when I'm not moving or moving really slow. The left side squeaks slightly, but not 1/4 as loud as the right. The squeak isn't bad, but when I have the wheel real cranked and take off (i.e. turning right out of a driveway) it almost sounds like something is binding... which to me is more concerning. I had a major brake job done recently, in which all the pads rotors were swapped, so (although I didn't suspect it) I know it has nothing to do with the breaks. It has always squeaked a little but recently got much worse. It's a Vermont truck, and there is a good amount of rust on the underside, but as far as I can tell, nothing looks decayed to the point of needing replacement in the front right section of the truck. The power-steering fluid's level is fine.

Sorry for the long winded post, but I'd like some suspicion as to what it may be before I bring it to a mechanic and get hung out by my shorts.


Thanks guys, happy Friday!

 

Sounds like a ball joint problem. Jack the wheel up and grab it at the top and bottom. Shake it and check for excessive play at the top or bottom.

 

BlackF150wrust,
I'd also check wheel bearings!! Sounds like the same noises I was hearing a couple weeks ago, when on the way to work on a 40-mile trip I seized a bearing on the RF and just knew I was going to throw the wheel before I got to work. Luckily I made it in and spent most of the day repairing (which includes bumming a ride into town to the parts store, etc), between bursts of downpouring rain. I cost me both wheel bearings and a rotor/hub. Part of the inner bearing had to be torched off of the spindle. It ruined the hub because the bearing race actually spun inside it. It's a spooky feeling. But you will hear more of the noise when turning compared to a straight line. When my bearing finally went, the truck was actually almost steering itself, there was so much play in the RF wheel. Check 'em out.

Fordman3

 

Thanks for the replies! The crappy thing about my situation right now is that I'm at school, about 300 miles away from home. I have no tools or jack stands around... so I need to resort to a good old fashion mechanic. I'm glad I have some idea as to what the problem is... does anyone have any idea what it will cost (roughly) to have this fixed? Or, is there anyway this problem could be connected to a "check engine" light?

Awesome truck, huh? Thanks for the help.

 

where ya at? never know someone might be close enough to lend a hand, or at least some tools for your hands. Heck i havent cleaned my garage yet from doing mine this weekend. I dont think the Engine light would be a result, unless the ABS sensor in the bearing could give a trouble code.