• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Creaking, Groaning sound


bruker

20+ Year Member

Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
260
Points
3,101
City
Western, Ohio
Vehicle Year
2003
Transmission
Automatic
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?
 
It would help if we knew if it was 2wd or 4wd...
 
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?
 
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
 
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".
 
Ball joint(s) most likely.
 
If it were me, I'd have to check to see if the groaning continued as I walk away from the truck.
You beat me to it.

I was going to say there’s a creaking and grinding noise and groan when I drive the 87 Ranger. Then I noticed it when I drive the 97 Ranger, so I thought it was a Ranger thing.

Then I noticed the same groaning and crunching and creaking noises when I drove the F250, and even when I drove the Lincoln town car so I was convinced it was a Ford thing

Then I noticed the same creaking and crunching and groaning when I got in and out of my recliner in my bedroom…
 
Odd. Sometimes I hear a popping or cracking sound when I turn to the left when I'm walking. But that's because I blew out the cartilage in my right hip.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Special Events

Events TRS Was At This Year

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

TRS Latest Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Back
Top