Creaking, Groaning sound

[bruker]

2003 4x4, 130,000 miles on the clock. When I make a slow turn and the truck leans and rocks I can hear a groaning sound coming I think from up front. The ball joints are newer so I don't believe it's them. The control arm bushings look okay but I guess it could be them. Also the tie rod ends are original so I guess it could be them. Is there a good penetrating lubricant that's okay to put on the original rubber bushings?

 

[Uncle Gump]

It would help if we knew if it was 2wd or 4wd...

 

[pjtoledo]

my Ranger has creaks and groans too.

then I start it and turn the radio way up.

after 22 years and 130,000 miles it's a safe bet any type of lube can be used.
even sealed boots can be carefully opened up to get some grease in them.
the part over the taper can be "puckered up" to a slight opening.

what part of western Ohio?

 

[bruker]

my Ranger has creaks and groans too.

then I start it and turn the radio way up.

after 22 years and 130,000 miles it's a safe bet any type of lube can be used.
even sealed boots can be carefully opened up to get some grease in them.
the part over the taper can be "puckered up" to a slight opening.

what part of western Ohio?

Southern Mercer County

 

[ekrampitzjr]

2003 4x4, 130,000 miles on the clock. When I make a slow turn and the truck leans and rocks I can hear a groaning sound coming I think from up front. The ball joints are newer so I don't believe it's them. The control arm bushings look okay but I guess it could be them. Also the tie rod ends are original so I guess it could be them. Is there a good penetrating lubricant that's okay to put on the original rubber bushings?

Do you feel anything through the steering wheel? If you do, that could point you in the right direction.

Some Ford models are notorious for a groaning sound coming from the power steering after a lot of miles, but the pump is normally still good. Last year I changed the power-steering fluid by siphoning it out of the reservoir, putting in fresh ATF, then coming back after driving a while, rinse and repeat. Did this several times over a few days.

The next thing would be ball joints, which could be good, but still need lubing with grease. This is another Ford trait. I knew mechanics who would pierce any rubber coating with an awl and force grease into the ball joint to quiet them. "Sealed for life" doesn't necessarily mean "long life without maintenance".

 

[bruker]

I think it's the tie rod ends. Stuck a grease needle through the rubber seal and pumped a couple shots of grease in them. Quiet for now...

 

[mikkelstuff]

If it were me, I'd have to check to see if the groaning continued as I walk away from the truck.