Squeaky steering and/or suspension

[jmsmith76]

I searched around and didn't find any solutions to this so here goes. Awhile back I noticed that when I hit a speed bump the front suspension would squeak. It wasn't bad at first but it's gotten a lot worse, just one of those things that nags you. Now whenever i turn the steering wheel there is a horrible squeaky/grindy noise. not sure how to describe it. it is worse when i turn to the left. Also today i put some grease on bushings and such and it didn't get rid of it. when i had the truck jacked up i turned the wheel to full lock both ways and noticed a good bit of power steering fluid dripping down and found that the lid was popped open which was definitely shut properly last time i checked the fluid. Also now when i turn the truck to the left, the steering is kind of jerky, mostly when im going slow. Thoughts? Power steering pump dead (or going dead at least)? Thanks for the help, sorry for the long post

 

[jmsmith76]

Oh and i forgot. 1999 Ranger 2WD 3.0L

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You've got an outer tie rod end seizing up on you.

Was the truck running when you turned the steering lock to lock? If not that's what blew the cap off the reservoir and made fluid go everywhere.

 

[rangertoy]

and wore out ball joints maybe? I know when they start going bad on my truck it makes an awful squeaky noise

 

[jmsmith76]

You've got an outer tie rod end seizing up on you.

Was the truck running when you turned the steering lock to lock? If not that's what blew the cap off the reservoir and made fluid go everywhere.

Yeah truck was off, i was unaware that it would blow the cap off. but oh well. How do i go about deciding which tie rod end it is? Or should i just replace the both of 'em? Figure i'll do that before ball joints

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Remove the tie rods from the knuckles and check and see which one is stiff/ seized.

Or you can listen with a stethoscope while someone else turns the steering lock to lock for you.

 

[jmsmith76]

Alright, hopefully i'll get around to doin that at some point today. I'll post back if i have any issues. Thanks for the help