I have a 98 f150 4x4 and have a really bad non mechanical noise most prominant when i turn the wheel. Im pretty sure its not mechanical cause I can be parked and when i turn the wheel its this loud squeaking/creaking noise. I can also hear it if I stand on the drivers side running board and bounce up and down. But mostly it happens when I turn the wheel. Any ideas? Im stumped.

 

Check the steering linkage while someone turns the wheel. Check the pitman arm and the tie rod ends. You can also try and pivot the tie rod assembly with a wrench and find the noise (if it is a tie rod end). It should be easy enough to to find the one making the noise. You may also be able to feel the one making the noise(vibrates while creaking). I hope this helps.

 

Not being mechanically inclined, how serious is this problem? i have a 10 hour drive coming up fast, can she survive or is the truck going to fall apart?