2001 Mazda B3000 Front Groaning

2001 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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ANTON1117
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  • 2 POSTS
Whenever I turn my steering wheel, I hear groaning noises, like an old, creaky door hinge, coming from the front end. What is this noise and how do I fix it!? Is it serious? Thanks!
Dec 12, 2006 at 2:13 AM
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COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
More than likely it is an upper ball-joint. The sockets in them dry out and make a terrible creeking noise when your turning or bouncing up and down on the truck.

Have you front end checked out. OH! your sure its not power steerring pump noise right?

Cosmo...Mazda Tech
Dec 12, 2006 at 10:20 PM
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ANTON1117
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That sounds like it exactly - whenever I turn or bounce up and down on the truck. I'm positive it's not power steering pump noise- I've had experience with that before too. Where exactly is the upper ball-joint? Can I shoot some grease in there/fix it myself?? Is it very serious (as I am low on funds)?
Thanks!!
Dec 13, 2006 at 2:17 AM
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COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
Well the upper ball joint is in the upper control arm, or rather is PART pf the upper control arm. So to replace the ball joint you'll need to replace the control arm.

It is most likely (and I am pretty sure of this) that the balljoint is NOT servicable ie. it does not have a grease nipple. More than likely it is also loose at this point.

Cosmo...Mazda Tech
Dec 13, 2006 at 3:33 AM
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Suggested Repair

Have the front end inspected. The groaning when turning or bouncing is likely a dry, loose upper ball joint that is part of the upper control arm and is not greaseable. Replacing the ball joint requires replacing the upper control arm.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 B3000 hears a groaning, creaky noise from the front end when turning the steering wheel and asks if it is serious. A Mazda technician says it is most likely a dry upper ball joint, not power-steering pump noise, and recommends a front-end inspection. The owner confirms the noise also occurs when bouncing and asks about greasing it. The technician explains the joint is part of the upper control arm, is probably not serviceable, and is likely loose, so the control arm must be replaced.

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