Hey guys. 1997 F-150 XLT Extended Cab 4x4, withBF Goodrich Radial All Terrain T/As, 285 75R16s, and stock suspension with 128,xxx miles on it. It has a nasty squeakin, loud enough to hear it ant almost any speed, from the front suspension somewhere. I've stuck my head down there I can't hear where it's coming from, or I'd be more specific. If I push down on the bumper or any part of the front, it squeaks all the way down and all the way back up. There's also something that looks like a swaybar, that's snapped off where it mounts on that side, but that's been like that since my dad bought the truck in 1999. We had it fixed, but it broke again right away, and we couldn't tell the difference. We figure it's because of the tire size.

So my question is, does this squeak sound like a problem that a lot of these trucks have, and if so, what did you do to fix it? Or is there a generic set procedures I should follow to fix any suspension noise?

 

I'm having a similar sqeak problem with my 98; it also squeaks when the steering wheel is turned either way (yes there is power steering fluid in it and the pump is fine).. so I'm also curious about what I can do for it. Thanks all, in advance

 

I've been through a lot of squeaks after 112k miles. If you think there is something wrong at the sway bar support, start there. Are you sure the bumper supports are well tighten?

There is so many to mention that what I did in every case was playing detective, checking every moving part in the front suspension if that was the case. The most annoying and more difficult to find was a #@^*#! squeak at the front end left side shock absorber. The rubber bushing was worn out and the shock stud was rubbing against the top mount creating the squeak. But from the outside there was no apparent problem. I think I started kicking the tires to create vibration so I went to that side of the truck.

I don't know if all this may help, but keep coming with more info and I am sure more members will come with some kind of feedback that may help you get there. There is a solution for that squeak.

 

Haha, my truck has squeaks up the wahoo. It squeaks if you just look at it wrong.

Sorry, no suggestions

 

I would look at the ball joints as a source of the noise.

 

I agree with yankee. Jack the truck up under the contol arm. Pry the spindle up near the ball joint. If there is noticeable vertical movement , the ball joint needs replacement.

 

I've got no comments about mechanical possibilities but the 2000 with 110,000miles on it that I just bought squeaked real bad at the rear. I sprayed all of the bushings with a silicone lube and no more squeaks.

 

Lower ball joints, Pitman Arm, and Idler Arm. They all added to the squeaking. Replaced them all, and squeaking is gone.

Look at the tops of the lower balljoints. If there is any dimpling, replace them ASAP! They're pounding their way through the top.

 

Try spraying wd40 in your up in your shock and on your shock bushings.

 

My 97 had a horrible squeek and the sway bar bushings were wore out. I changed them and no squeeks whatsoever.

 

Okay. Did the sway bar bushings, and coated EVERYTHING with silicone lube, and the squeaks still there loud as ever. It does it every time I hit a bump now, and it's REALLY pissing me off.

 

i had a frontend squeak and it was the pittman arm. had it replaced and no more squeaking......