I have a 2001 Ford Ranger. The truck is very squeaky when it hits bumps. I took some pictures of some ball joints (I think) and some other things. I could obviously tell that some stuff is worn and needs replaced but I am not sure what I am looking at. I just had new tie rods put on and new shocks and stuff so I have an idea of what Im looking at. I only know a little about this stuff. I attached only 2 pictures because I am a new user.
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The link doesn’t open for me. The mechanic who diagnosed and replaced the tie rod ends should have checked the other steering and suspension parts, he would be passing up good money if he didn’t.
You can google how to check the ball joints on your truck, how the ball joints are unloaded to check for play depends on suspension design but basically in any front end parts you are lookng for any visible free movement.
There are 2 control arms on the truck and this is the lower.
In the picture at the upper end of the control arm the ball joint is attached and at the lower end there are 2 rubber bushings which are like hinges and they have been the most common cause of squeaking as you described. I have found that talcum powder on the long bolt that attaches the arm to the frame is the most effective solution to the problem but for the DIYer a good penetrating oil at each end of the the bushings will usually help. The upper control arm that may need attention also.
It would be worthwhile to grease the ball joints, etc while your under there though. They could be the problem but when they get noisy they are usually worn to the point of causing steering problems such as pulling to one side.
The factory ball joints didn’t have zerks . . . that’s why I always replace them with Moogs
My guess is this 2001 Ranger has some miles and probably needs a complete front suspension rebuild
Before replacing a good ball joint due to the lack of a zerk fitting this tool
can be used and extend its life.
Perhaps I wasn’t clear in my earlier comment . . . my mistake
I don’t replace “a good ball joint due the lack of a zerk fitting”
I only replace ball joints that are shot, zerk or no zerk
I’ve replaced plenty of shot ball joints that DID come with a zerk . . . just thought I’d add that
Thank you everyone for the help that you have given me! The Ranger only has 95000 on it but its still a old truck. Also, is it alright to replace little at a time or should I do as much as I can at once?