Common Problems with '06 and '07 Rangers

[Captain Caveman]

So I've owned a 2006 and now a 2007 Ranger. Both had the same setups, XLT model with the 4.0L v6 and 4x4. Both have had squeaky suspensions...I mean the exact same squeak (when you go over cracks in the road or from a parking lot into a street). Both have also had issues with the brakes squeaking for no reason.

Has anyone heard of these being common problems with Rangers, or am I just special enough to have gotten two Rangers with the exact same problems?

if it's the latter, I'm going straight out to buy a pile of lottery tickets

 

[mhughes165]

it could be just the route that u drive, or the manner in which u drive the truck.

 

[kaskirov]

i got an 06 and my brakes squeak too. haven't noticed anything with the suspension, but i got the fx4 so maybe i got a different set up.

 

[exbass94]

+1 my 06's brakes squeak too. Is there anything I can do to shut them the hell up?
Edit: The suspension however, does not squeak at all.

 

[05level2]

I had same brake squeak problem on my 05, but no problem with the suspension. Soon as i cut the rotors and sanded the pads no more squeak.

 

[c_note]

it could be your lower ball joints if you go through deep enough water.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

The squeaky brakes may be due to the type of brake pad material the dealers and using. They may be metallic as well, which could cause squeaky.

As for the suspension, take a stethoscope and listen to the individual components while a buddy cycles the suspension by bouncing the truck.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Most likely, the squecks is coming from bushing. My 96 Ranger does it all the time, but its not loud so its tolerable.

As for brake squels. Rear brake drums probably need to be cleaned of brake dust. Also ceramic brake pads help some.

 

[Kdawg532]

ive had my 07 since dec 06 and i havent noticed any squeeking anywhere

 

[KarenCaren]

Im sure it needs cleaning. If not, change it.

 

[Maverick]

Dont feel too bad. My 05 went back to the dealership 6 times in the first year and a half. Then I sold it.

 

[dogboy]

On mine ('93) it squeeks when I hit bumps too. Mine is becuase of the spare tire though. The metal of the rim and the metal of the mount rub and it squeeks. Not sure if this is what yours does, but it is worth a look.

 

[Captain Caveman]

I got Ford to buy back my '06 (but for bigger problems than just brakes and squeaks). I find it interesting that they both of similar problems though.

I've jammed on the brakes to try cleaning them off, and the dealership has actually taken them off and cleaned them.

As for the suspension, I'll try isolating the sound. Bushings huh...

 

[Bill]

No squeaking from the brakes. The driver's side suspension makes a popping/squeaking sound from time to time. I was thinking it could be the shock absorber.

My only other complaints are the suspension is really sensitive to variations in road surface, but that could be the hard rubber on the OEM tires, and the clutch isn't as smooth as I think it should be.

The dealership is going to give me a free oil change. I'm going to inquire about a few things I've noticed when I take it in.