creakin' and moanin' sounds!

[Bluebonnet]

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger 6 cyl; 142000+ miles. I drove it cross-country from Calif to Pennsylvania in Jan hauling a UHaul and the bed was loaded as well.

I had a lot of maintenance done beforehand including changing the transmission oil; then just a couple of weeks ago, had everything done again.

Back last fall before I left, it was creakin' and groanin something fierce, when the transmission oil was changed, all was quiet. I didn't know that would make a dif or I'd have done it sooner (oh well).

It was running a bit rough but mostly quiet this time when I had everything changed a couple of weeks ago (oil, fuel & air filter, transmission oil and filter) but immediately ran a lot better. I don't drive much as I can walk to work where I live now, and last weekend noticed the creakin' sounds - something fierce.

It's when I turn, when I take off, anything. Comes from underneath, center front. Not terrible loud but loud enough. Didn't do it before. Weather has been mild, 40-60s.

Any suggestions? I imagine I'll take it back to the garage Saturday but would appreciate any input/comments/suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[NMBurb02]

Engine or transmission mount?

 

[01rangerxl]

Creaking and groaning isn't a noise transmissions would typically make even when failing. It may be coincidental that the noise went away with the trans flush.

Creaking can be a lot of things. The most likely thing on a Ranger is the sway bar bushings. The bushings that hold the center section of the bar dry out and crack over time. New bushings are not expensive, probably less than $20. I put new Moogs on my truck a long time ago for creaking noise. It still comes back when it's very cold outside, but I just ignore it now.

You should also check ball joints, u joints, torsion bars, really everything in the front suspension. Is this 4WD or 2WD?

 

[Bluebonnet]

Originally Posted By: NMBurb02
Engine or transmission mount?



don't know!! (what that even means!)

 

[Bluebonnet]

Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Creaking and groaning isn't a noise transmissions would typically make even when failing. It may be coincidental that the noise went away with the trans flush.

Creaking can be a lot of things. The most likely thing on a Ranger is the sway bar bushings. The bushings that hold the center section of the bar dry out and crack over time. New bushings are not expensive, probably less than $20. I put new Moogs on my truck a long time ago for creaking noise. It still comes back when it's very cold outside, but I just ignore it now.

You should also check ball joints, u joints, torsion bars, really everything in the front suspension. Is this 4WD or 2WD?



it's 2 wheel drive

I'm taking it back to the mechanic this weekend, sigh. hope it's nothing serious.

I just had the front right wheel bearings go bad during my cross-country trip; ate the rotor (I think that's what it was) and that one and the left one were changed out in an emergency repair; brakes too. It's been pretty good and still runs fine, just making these gawd-awful sounds that are worrisome.

 

[01rangerxl]

I'm betting it's sway bar bushings. 40*F is cold enough for them to make a lot of noise.

 

[JamesBond]

Yes could be swaybar bushings, but broken links will also make a creaking noise as the car bounces too. You will have to jack up the frame a little, and leave the tire and control arm on the ground to get a good look at them.

 

[metalboy]

At 142,000 miles you're going to be due for most of your front end bushings. Sway bar bushings are the first thing I'd change, but really most of them are going to be shot. Mounts, too.

 

[Bluebonnet]

how much $$ are we talking here?

tonight I when I was parking it creaks every time I turn the steering wheel!! won't go anywhere tomorrow then straight to the garage on Saturday - !

really really glad to have this forum, it's so helpful to hear people's input before taking it in - even tho this particular garage is especially trustworthy.

 

[Bluebonnet]

diagnosis:

right front ball joint was out.

bill was $233

 

[Propflux01]

Too much luvin' goin on in it!!