Does anyone know what would cause a loud squealing from the front when i turn the wheel. I have a 97 4x4, it has gotten progressively worse in the past year. It seems like it's coming from the pitman and/or idler arm, do these squeal when they wear out?

 

The squealing you are talking about may be your power steering pump. Have you checked the fluid level in it lately? If not you may want to it could be low and/or the pump itself may need to be replaced.

 

if its what im thinking, its the pitman arm.

i had the same problem, what u wanna do is get a grease gun and puncture the boot around the pitman arm and shoot some grease in there then turn your wheel all the way back and forth and hear the squeal go away.

at least thats what i did for my squeal, try that and let me know.


good luck

 

It sounds like you're describing a very common problem. As nace19 stated above, just get some grease behind that little rubber boot that covers the pitman arm. Also, make sure you seal any puncture that you may make. I actually just did this, it worked fine for me. Much cheaper and easier than replacing the pitman arm. Good luck with it.

 

Thank you nace, took about 10 minutes and the squealing was gone. It started to get embarrasing b/c it was so loud. Thanks again and take care!

 

yeah i know what you mean, when my truck was squealing everyone in the parking lot would turn and look at me.

glad to hear it worked for you.