Balljoints or Control Arm Bushings

[Mark Gibson]

Gentelmen, I have a 98 F150 2WD, 4.2L V6, with 120,00 miles. I have a loud squeaking coming out of the lower controll arm on the right side, when ever the truck is turning the steering wheel, or even going over bumps in the road. The Lower Control Arms have serviceable Ball Joints, unlike the Upper Control arm, you have to replace the entire Control arm to replace the balljoint.

I lifted the frontend of the truck and checked to see if there was play in the lower ball joints and it doesn not appear to have any slop in the joint. It does not squeak when you turn the steering wheel without the tire on the ground or under the weight of the front end. My question is, do I have a bad lower ball joint? It does not have a grease fitting to be able to lube it, and all of the bushings are clean and not cracked or brittle that I can see. Any suggestions, or change the ball joints?

Best Regards

MG
Jax FL

[idol]

Hi Mark, unfortunately you are suffering from a very common Ford truck front suspension issue. There isn't too much you can do to resolve the squeak except to replace the joint. Personally, in the past, I have drilled and tapped a hole for a grease fitting. That did solve the problem, but eventually the joint failed anyway. My guess at the time was that the joint was already worn before I added the fitting.
My point; well if you know how, or you know someone who is capable, you can try adding a grease fitting to see if that helps. Or, you should replace the joint..Which would be the recommended repair. IDOL

[Mark Gibson]

Thank You sir for the advice. I agree....If it's inevitable, why not replace the joint. I assume you are referring to the bottom joint, correct? Also, can you get an aftermarket joint with a Zerk fitting in it already, or drill my own?

Thank You again for the help!

Best Regards
MGibson
Jax, FL

[way2old]

Most aftermarket ball joints will come with a grease fitting. I am almost positive that Moog does. just open the box when you buy one and see if it has a fitting.