Sorry if this is wrong forum, but I didn't see one more fitting. I have a 97 offroad with 32k miles and it has started to make a horrible creaking sound when I turn the wheel. The bad part is, the way the sound echos around underneath, all I can narrow it down to is the drivers side...I can't tell if it is where the tie rod attaches to the spindle or where the spindle attaches to the control arms, or even where the column attaches to the power steering box! I gave each a shot of WD-40 just to see if the sound changed any, and then planned to attack the problem with grease...I bought one of the needle fittings that I have read about using for these joints without grease fittings, but I'm not sure how to get the grease in...the rubber covers fit so tight and one end doesn't seem to pry down at all, it seams attached to the joint...So I guess this was a long winded two part question...1. Has anyone else had this problem and what was the solution? 2. How are you suppose to grease these fittings using the needle? I am just a few four letter words from taking it to the shop! Thanks

 

It is your pitman arm. Its actually in the front/middle of your truck. It connects your steering linkage. You have the needle, so all you need now is to jam it into the rubber boot of the arm. A picture could describe this a lot easier than I can explain it, and someone on here had an awesome post and pics on how to do this. Hopefully someone will come along with that link, or you might be able to do a search of the forums for it.

 

Yes, I've been told by a local mechanic that the creaking problem with my '97 F-150 is the infamous 'Pitman Arm'. I went to the local Ford dealer and bought a new one. It cost 36 bucks...so far not bad. I removed the front skid plate to look around at the problem. The amount of work to replace it doesn't look too terrible on the surface but I haven't been able to find any service instructions concerning this. I did have to invest in a couple of big *******ing wrenches but so far I have less than 50 bucks into what the mechanic said would be at least 200 dollars to replace. I think Ford's "Better Idea" to make this a non-greasable joint was somewhat ill-conceived. Anyway...can someone tell me where I can find instructions on how to properly remove the old part from the streering box spindle and out of the steering linkage which seems to be the tough part. The direction of removal is in opposite directions. I hope Mr. Pitman is enjoying himself with this evil act inflicted on Ford owners!

 

I finally succumbed to buying a new one (pitman arm) but got one from Tropical Auto Parts here in W.P. Beach Fl. You could probably go to Napa and find one. The one i bought had a grease fitting that i installed and greses when it was done. You will need a 1 & 5/16" socket to remove the nut. A special pitman arm puller (rent one from an auto parts store) . I borrowed a fellow mechanic's SNAP-ON puller. Big bucks for one time. A 27mm socket i think for the other end of the arm. Also do it on a lift. You will find it easier. I think i paid about $38.00 for mine and then when done greased both the pitman & idler ( it comes from Ford w / grease fitting) Good Luck!

 

I have the same noise. It is hard to locate, thank you. What is the needle fitting? Will it repair it without replacing pitman arm?

 

I actually just started getting a noise also and was gonna post a thread but......

The only thing with mine is it ONLY happens WHILE cranking the wheel. And rather than a creak it's pretty much a clean squeek. Could this be the same problem?

 

I bought a needle adapter for my greese gun & filled my pitman arm (& the other ball joints) with grease. The screeching stopped with a few full turns of the steering weel. The auto parts guy, which I trust said to just stick it through the rubber. If that bothers you clean it off very well & put orange RTV (it sticks well) on it to seal the hole. I think I might put some more in there in a week to be sure it is filled (it's being filled from the wrong end!)

 

I have this same problem--
I have a 97 off road, and this has been driving me nuts.
I knew this must be a common gripe, because I've heard the exact same "SQUEEEEK" coming from other trucks and expeditions. Belive it or not, the Quick-lube guy at the local Ford dealership told me it was the tie-rods!--I replaced them last weekend, and still have the same noise---My fault for taking the advise of "Johnny- Quick-Lube". Sounds like I'll go for the needle- trick on the pitman arm. Thanks for posting the info-
Mark.

 

Hey, Jeremy. My 1997 F-150 did the same thing when I bought it. It sounded terrible and turned heads where ever I went.

I tried injecting grease with a hypodermic needle right through the seal. Didn't work.

After much thinking and self-debating I decided that the squeak was coming from the idler arm (opposite the pitman arm). I fixed the problem by removing the nut holding the idler arm on and droppoing the arm off of the mount. While off, I greased the hell out of everything top and bottom. I made sure every layer of doodads had a film of grease on it.

This worked. I have not heard a sound out of the steering in four months.

The down side to dropping the idler arm is that it is a real bear getting it back on. If I have to do it again, I am going to just back off the idler arm nut far enough to get grease between the layers of washers, spacers, and seals & stuff, and not have to worry with wrestling with the steering linkage and killing myself while straining.

Good luck to you and let me know how it worked out with your truck.


Rodney

 

Hey, Jeremy. My 1997 F-150 did the same thing when I bought it. It sounded terrible and turned heads where ever I went.

I tried injecting grease with a hypodermic needle right through the seal. Didn't work.

After much thinking and self-debating I decided that the squeak was coming from the idler arm (opposite the pitman arm). I fixed the problem by removing the nut holding the idler arm on and droppoing the arm off of the mount. While off, I greased the hell out of everything top and bottom. I made sure every layer of doodads had a film of grease on it.

This worked. I have not heard a sound out of the steering in four months.

The down side to dropping the idler arm is that it is a real bear getting it back on. If I have to do it again, I am going to just back off the idler arm nut far enough to get grease between the layers of washers, spacers, and seals & stuff, and not have to worry with wrestling with the steering linkage and killing myself while straining.

Good luck to you and let me know how it worked out with your truck.


Rodney