2003 Ford Ranger Front end noises

BUGEATER

MEMBER
2003 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
19,750 MILES

A problem with a very noisy front end began about six months ago and is increasing. A very heavy squeek and groan emanates from the front end from almost any irregularity in the road, a little bigger bump or dip will set up some additional thumping. These noises are gone at 40 mph and higher, and are much muted if 4WD is selected. I cannot find anything particularly loose. The only time they quieted down was a month ago, that for two days after driving through large puddles during a heavy rain it was blissfully silent.

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 AT 10:41 AM

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi bugeater,

Thank you for the donation.

The symptoms described seems to be caused by lack of lubrications at ball joints or loose bushing bolts. Check all ball joints, especially the lower control arm, for torn boots or excessive end play.

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Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 AT 11:15 AM

BUGEATER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Jacked the truck up yesterday and put stands and took off the front wheels, then looked and probed everything around the steering and suspension parts. Found no torn or missing boots, and reaffirmed that there are no grease fittings on any of these parts. Tightened and added some rubber to all places that seemed to rattle or made any noise when shook. As of this morning, the noises are still there, maybe ever so slightly quieter. I did note that they are still there above 40 mph, just much muted. Also, with truck in the garage, just pushing down either front corner forcefully causes a groan and small clunk sound.

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Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 AT 11:13 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Get someone to bump the suspension while you try to get a feel as to where the groan is coming from.

I believe it should be from one of the ball joints.

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Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 AT 11:38 AM