Tie rod or ball (photo attached)

[Mike Stark]

Been a while for a DIY weekend. 46000 miles on ST--- been hearing a creaking sound (rusty spring i guess) just when going over bumps, no real problems with steering but definitely hear it when going up and down on front driver side. The upper Ball joint in pic is actually not leaking Lube that''s just from my greasy hands while inspecting the rest of the chasis. Found that the lower tie rod end??? boot is cracked wide open (bottom yellow circle in pic). Doesn't really show in pic. Bottom line you guys think the creak is from just the tie rod or does the ball joint come into play? I can't believe a tie rod would creak like that then again i could be wrong. The opposite side has the same squished ball joint boot on top as well. So thinking it's the tie rod end but there isn't any steering difficulties just the creaking........ OEM shocks are next I know I know...thanks for your help. photo attached.[Broken External Image]:

 

[Tom Schindler]

Creaking sounds leads me to believe it is the ball joint. Use a broom handle as a stethoscope to find the problem. Have a buddy push down on the bumper to recreate the noise. Stick the broom handle to each ball joint and put the other end to your ear. You will hear it loudest with the broom handle on the noise making culprit.





Tom

 

[Todd Z]

Most tie rod ends use an "umbrella" boot it is never 100% Sealed. So you may see grease on the tie rod boot.



But toms test method is the best to diagnose it..



Todd Z

 

[Mike Stark]

Todd,



actually there is a rip down the side of the one tie rod end boot whereas the other seems tight and sealed. I starting to think it's the ball joint but i'll lift her up today and see whats up. Rather fix a tie rod than a Ball joint obviously but i think the creaking is def coming from the ball joint.

 

[Dingo]

It's the ball joint. I had the same creak about 4 months ago.

<a href='http://www.fordrides.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=169' border=0><img src='http://www.fordrides.com/imagehosting/thum_14511fd18eb729.jpg'></a>



<a href='http://www.fordrides.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=170' border=0><img src='http://www.fordrides.com/imagehosting/thum_14511fd198bc03.jpg'></a>

 

[Chad Merry]

You guys know there is going to be another PIA member who is going to want credible evidence of this broom stick test method.



Chad

 

[Chase Straw]

the upper ball joints on the trac are as easy or easier than tie rod ends to do

 

[Gary DiPietroSr]

Mikey, those look like stock shocks. You might want to think about an upgrade while you're working under there if you haven't changed them already, it's worth it.

 

[Mike Stark]

I plan on doing that---I had $$$ set aside for some Ranchos or the like but new wheel bearings and EBrake rust spent tha. I hate Buffalo winters!!!! I'm out of warranty so either I got some major suspension DIY or a new ST calling me.

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

Adding on to Gary D's comment about upgrading your shocks, while your at it also upgrade your sway bar end links as well to MOOG or equivelent and use Energy Suspension bushings.