I've noticed for the past few days that every time I go to turn the wheel a loud squeeking noise occurs, almost like something is rubbing against something else. I've only noticed it w/ the windows down and when going slow, such as pulling into a parking spot or out of a driveway. My first thought was driveshaft but could probably be a dozen other things.
Any ideas?

 

Hi-

A search of the board will tell you more than you want to know about f150 squeaks. Mine was making an awful sound,and I tightened everything there was to tighten, and lubed everyhting there was to lube. Still making the noise. Then, I was washing it last weekend, and grabbed the tailgate to climb into the bed. SQEEEEEEEEEK. It turned out to be the right side of the gate, where the latch hooks around the post. I taped around the post and haven't heard a peep out of it since.

Good Luck-
HG

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Truck:
98 Regular Cab
Short box
4.6
265/75/16 on stocks
auto
3.73LS

Education:
MCRD San Diego
Cal State San Marcos

 

Hi,
It's probably your pitman arm. Do a serch on that, lots of people have this problem. Either get it replaced under warrenty or shoot some grease in the boot with a needle fitting on a grease gun.

Hobbit

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99 XLT,4.6L Auto,4X4,tow pkge,Factory Side Steps and Mudflaps, K&N filter,BugflectorII, Amazon Green/Silver, Pace Edwards Rolltop Cover.

 

I'd have to agree with hobbit here. Get sombody you trust to turn the wheel back and forth w/motor running, climb under the front and listen and feel the pitman arm at the steering box. I lubed mine with a needle fitting and sealed with RTV over a year ago and it's still holding strong and quiet.
Good luck!



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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, Rancho RS 5000's
Ford Bed Liner,Soft Tonneau
Bug sheild
Sony xplode CDX-600,MTX 325watt amp, 2 10" JBL subs.

 

I have the same pitman arm squeal on my 1997 4x4. I hear it on slow, sharp turns with the window down. My local dealer wants $475.00 to replace this thing, as my truck is just out of warranty. I appreciate the idea on the grease option. Can anyone be more specific where this boot is located?

 

Hi Cowpuncher,
That sucks that they wont make the repair "just out of warrenty", personally I'd b!tch to the manager about it. However, those parts aftermarket are not very expensive, their might be some other members who know the actual prices. If you decide to replace it get one with a zerk fitting. If you just decide to grease it the pitman arm is attached to the steering box with a rubber boot. Peirce the boot with the needle fitting and fill it with grease. This should do the trick.
Good luck.

Hobbit

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99 XLT,4.6L Auto,4X4,tow pkge,Factory Side Steps and Mudflaps, K&N filter,BugflectorII, Amazon Green/Silver, Pace Edwards Rolltop Cover.