Hey all,

I have a grinding/squeak/not sure what to call it noise coming from the front left wheel I think. It's been getting progressively worse over a couple years. It used to only do it when winter hit, this summer it started to do it all the time, and fall was game over. Initially, I thought I had two different noises, one in suspension, one in steering, making me think it was a control arm bushing and my PS pump. Changed PS fluid the other day (with Mercon V ATF) and the noise went away, but it was above freezing so everything was wet.

Now (this winter) the noise has been tandem with bumps and turning so I'm thinking it's a balljoint or tie rod. Any ideas?

I just took this video today.

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2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Supercab
4.0, 5-speed
Live axle 4x4 - 3.73 gear ratio - open diff
Stock (or OEM equivalent) everything except
Gibson Cat-Back Dual Extreme exhaust system
---HOME OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE---

Sounds like your suspension bushing are bad or your stabilizer links

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1999 Ranger 4.0 and extreme Snap-on tool fetish

I agree with Jswifto

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2002 XLT Extended Cab 4.0

What bushings are you talking about? Either of those would even make that noise when turning the wheel at a standstill?

__________________
2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Supercab
4.0, 5-speed
Live axle 4x4 - 3.73 gear ratio - open diff
Stock (or OEM equivalent) everything except
Gibson Cat-Back Dual Extreme exhaust system
---HOME OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE---

Control arm bushings

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1999 Ranger 4.0 and extreme Snap-on tool fetish

Ok. Can I replace just the bushings or do I have to replace the whole arm? Thanks for the help

__________________
2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Supercab
4.0, 5-speed
Live axle 4x4 - 3.73 gear ratio - open diff
Stock (or OEM equivalent) everything except
Gibson Cat-Back Dual Extreme exhaust system
---HOME OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE---

You can replace them or try spraying them with some white lithium grease.

__________________
1999 Ranger 4.0 and extreme Snap-on tool fetish

Sounds good. I'll try the grease trick. They should be safe to drive on still, right?

Again, thanks for all the help!

__________________
2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Supercab
4.0, 5-speed
Live axle 4x4 - 3.73 gear ratio - open diff
Stock (or OEM equivalent) everything except
Gibson Cat-Back Dual Extreme exhaust system
---HOME OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE---

Should be find to drive on

__________________
1999 Ranger 4.0 and extreme Snap-on tool fetish