97 F150, 2WD. My front end squeaks like you wouldn't believe when I turn the wheel in either direction. It will also do it while travelling straight if I hit a bump, but its way more noticeable when I'm turning the wheel. Its really loud. Its similarly annoying to fingernails on the chalkboard. I've tried silicone and belt dressing on all the suspension and steering bushings I could find in the front end. Its been impossible for me to isolate the culprit(s). Funny thing is, I've heard quite a few other F150's doing this also. The owners never knew the cause either though. Is there anyone out there that has had this same problem and was able to fix it? I'm close to desperate enough to replace all the bushings on the front end, but I really don't want to have to do that. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

 

Do a search if it works.. Or if not hopefully someone with the link will come along here and help you out. From what you're saying, Im 99.9% positive that the squeaking you're having is the old pitman arm..... The link I previously mentioned, someone posted a step by step how to on how to inexpensively grease the pitman arm boot with a grease gun and needle. It even had pictures to illustrate it.
As for the squeaks coming from the front when you hit bumps, I experienced the same thing and mine was the rubber bushings on the factory front shocks were "dry rotted" (I guess the term for it?) It was a very easy fix to, I just periodically shot some WD40 into the bushings and no more squeak.
These are two problems that I and many others have experienced, at least check these out, and see if that is whats causing yours'.

 

Kompressor - I also have this exact same problem. I have a 1997 4 X 4 long bed that I recently bought and this started happening about two days after I took it off the lot. I know absolutely nothing about trucks, always being a car man until now. When you find an answer that works could you please post again and let me know what I can do to fix it. Thanks

 

Hi there guys...I had the same problem when turning the steering wheel it would make an embarrassing squeal. Turned out to be the pitman arm. Search "old squeaky pitman" "greasing pitman" and you should find all the answers you need. I'll be happy to explain it to you if you have any probs.

 

pitman arm only squeaks when turning, i thought you said it also squeaks over bumps, have seen many with ball joints bad making the same type noise, usually lowers but seen some uppers, try tracking it down by feel, put your hand on suspected parts while someone turns or bounces vehicle

 

Yeah that's true....I forgot to mention the pitman wouldn't have anything to do with squeaks over bumps.....any ideas why more of the front end isn't greasable on these things????

 

Ford brilliant concept of greased for life joints

 

My 97 4x4 did the same thing for about 10 days and then went away on it's own. Sounded like it was coming from the upper balljoint or the shock. Both were new (replaced this summer). I never got a chance to get a good look at the problem because of the cold but i'd start with those two.

 

I got the same problem going over speed bumps and such. Sounds like the front end is gonna fall off. I just bought the truck and have been under it and can tell that the last owner had tried to find the problem. There's a ton grease on every joint.
Problem with mine is that I cant get it to squeak just by bouncing the front end up and down, only when I'm driving.
I'm continuing to look and will post when I find the problem, I WILL find it

 

should also try checking out sway bar bushings, winter cold and wet can make
then squeak like a mother

 

had the same problem on mine, it was the pittman arm it squeked when you turned the wheels and when it hit bumps. Instead of replacing it I used a grease needle and injected grease right into the rubber seal. Then put a little dab of silocone rubber over the hole i made. dont trip out if this does not fix it right away it takes a couple of days for the grease to work into the joint In about a week the noise was all gone.

Dale