Would the ball joint in the front cause the truck to make noise when your turning, kind of a higher pithed whine noise?

 

no. Ball joints will make a clunk. Im still learning, but that could possibly be a wheel bearing going bad. I know when I was hearing a whine coming from the front, I was told possible wheel bearing, cuz it would go away when i turned a certain direction, but thats now gone away, and I know its a sticky caliper.

 

^^Thanks, yeah Ill have to investigate that, It doesnt do it when when I am moving, only like when I am backing out of a parking spot.

 

My squeal now is when Im on the brakes, but not all the time. The constant squeal is gone. and mine is also pretty loud sqeal when im backing into my garage.

 

I think it may have something to do with power steering pump, it is easier for the truck to turn the tires when the truck is moving. Ill do some investigation

 

After changing my brake pads, I noticed play in the upper ball joints. Looked into pricing to replace myself and having a mechanic do it. Mechanic charges $65 labor per ball joint and $30 for the alignment. Parts will run around $80 for each upper control arm ( comes w/bushings and ball joint) They don't come apart. The lower control arm does but they need to be removed and pressed out as with the bushings.

 

I might be wrong, and correct me if I am, but I do not think you have to remove the lower control arm to get the ball joint out.

 

I have to do this to my 2001 F150 S-CREW. where can I find a picture diagram of the work area for my truck? I know it sounds weird...this is the first time i have had to do this type of replacement and I want to do it myself to save the money. i have a manual to assist, but it has no diagram.

thanks.

 

Factory lower ball joints on F150s are good for 30 - maybe 70,000. I did mine after noticing tire wear that resembled bad shocks. The tires were scallopped but on insides only. It is an easier job on a 2WD and just a little tougher on a 4WD. There is a guy online that has great instructions and with pictures, just do a search "f150 or Ford ball joint repair" and you will find him. Auto part stores will rent the press to you and the other thing you will need is a 1-3/8 (I believe) socket and a cheater bar. I think that spindle nut is torqued about 135 lbs. One other tip is that you will have to tap the upper joint to get it out of the wheel assembly make sure that you leave the nut on the end when you do this. If not you may be replacing an upper also. I did not do my uppers but probably need to check them. By the way Pep Boys initially wanted $600 for all I talked them down to $450 but still passed and did it myself.

 

Thank you for your help , I seen a vidio on you tube (great site ) It showed every thing with very good verbal instruction , my first time , done in 3 hrs I did not torque to any specs, I hope it's all right ....always something <(*_*)> Thanks again