My 98 Lariat 4x4 has horrible squeaks and groans from the front bushings when turning the wheel and when hitting small bumps. Since there are no Zerk fittings to lube, can somebody provide me with a remedy?

 

I had the same prob and it was my pitman arm, do a search for "front end squeaks" and you'll find a ton of previous posts on this subject

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97 F150 XLT: Two-Tone Green and Tan, V6 4.2L Auto Trans 4X4, 3.55 gears, 265/75/16 Dueler AT's, Edelbrock Performer IAS Shocks
MODS:Airaid FIPK, Superchip, Ravin Z55 Exhaust SI/SO
GOODIES:Kameleon Head Unit w/12 disk cd changer, JVC 4ch 560watt poweramp, Bazooka Tube, Boston Acoustic 5x9's, Tinted Back, Westin Nerf Bars..

 

Hi guys-

What if the noise occurs even without turning the wheel? I think mine might have the problem with the pitman arm, but I get the squeek even going in a straight line.

Another solution I've seen on the board is to tighten the cotter pin under the wheel center cap- does this mean remove the cap that is UNDER the plastic piece covering the lug nuts?

As usual, thanks for any help.

HG

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Truck:
98 Regular Cab
Short box
4.6
265/75/16 on stocks
auto
3.73LS

Education:
MCRD San Diego
Cal State San Marcos

 

From what you stated above I dont know exactly what part is squeaking but try this, it worked for me and it doesnt cost anything and takes about 10 seconds to do. Take some WD-40 or whatever you have that might be just like it, spray it all into the bushing that is located above your front shocks. That rubber bushing tends to "dry rot." A shot of WD-40 on it moistened it up and made the annoying squeak disappear.

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Black 1997 F-150 Extended Cab
4x4 w/Off-Road Package
5.4 liter Triton V8
Luverne Stainless Steel Nerf Bars
DeeZee Silver Series Toolbox
Grizzly Oval Style Chrome Grill/Brush Guard
Wrap around bug shield
Ventshade Ventvisors
Ford Factory Bedliner
Pioneer Deh-P6000 45 Watt CD Stereo
3" Trailmaster Body Lift
Smittybilt Outland Tail Light guards.
16x10 American Racing Polished Atlas Wheels
4 315/75R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA/KO Tires on all four corners.
Flowmaster 50 Muffler w/Dual Pipes & 2 18" Stainless Tips
MTX 2 Channel Amp w/Crossover
2 MTX 10" Subwoofers w/Box
Next Up: 4" Rancho Suspension Lift

 

My squeaks came from lack of lube in the front end. Dealer told me at 37,000 miles or so they would put fittings in and lube at my cost but no need they were good for 100,000 miles. But hey guess what mine didnt last that long, outer tie-rod end fell completely off at 57,800 miles. After contacting Ford they told me if I had not put the new one on maybe they would have done something. Mmmmm sounds to me like they are looking a way out. Believe me I am not finished with them. Hope this helps, just get a lube job, by way of needle or put fittings in, I know it will fix the problem.

 

You must us the needle or install grease fittings this will solve the squeaking 4 sure

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1997 F-150 XLT 4.6 REGULAR CAB, FLARESIDE PACIFIC CLEARCOAT GREEN 5-SPEED. WESTIN NERF BARS, POWER EVERYTHING,BUG SHIELD, EX-TANG SOFT COVER, BED LINER(FORD).

Better 1/2 : 92 Red T-Bird.