97burntorange

I posted this in the tech forum and was directed to this one for more replies. I'll just cut/paste it.

First of all, hello to everyone, this will be my first post. I drive a 67 cougar, into old muscle cars, etc.


My question concerns my girlfriend's 97 mustang, which is our shared daily driver. The front end, driver's side, has one HELL of a creak. Happens constantly, and up and down motion in the vehicle, or any turning. I sat the car still and turned the wheel different ways to find that if it is all the way turned outward (left) the creaking stops, I'm assuming it is taking pressure off whatever joint is doing the creaking. Has anyone had this issue, or know just what is going on here? It's is definitely a metal type of creak, such as maybe I have lost a bushing or something.

I have about 2 days to have this car off the road so if I could get some help today, that would be superb. Not sre how active these forums are.


Thanks in advance.

-Matt

8banger

Check the lower ball joint....

8banger

Put your hand on the bottom of the joint while turning the wheel..or bouncing the car....possible Dry non greasable ball joint...

97burntorange

I'll go check that now, thanks. Definitely the right area, you are probably correct. Now, I'm a late-model retard, are the ball joints on a 97 the "lube for life" garbage that you have to replace, or can I grease that puppy up and be good to go?

97burntorange

Yeah, it's the ball joint --lower. So, can I grease that? If so, what do you recommend?

TimmyGt

if its the stock you would have to replace it. moog parts are very nice. then you would be able to grease from then on!I had the same problem with my 97 GT. all new moog parts for tie rods and ball joints FTW.

oxfordgt

You cant grease stock ball joints. Got to replace it.

97burntorange

Blech, that figures.[:'(]

Thanks all, guess I've got some finding to do.

97burntorange

So I got the thing checked out by a local suspension guy that I know does good work, and after about 30 seconds he diagnosed the bad ball joint. Ordered the part, coming in tomorrow morning.


Are these pressed in? I'm wondering if I can do this at home with basic tools, or if I need a *(#&%(@*% presser now. I can guarantee I can't get one local so may have to pay a shop to replace the thing. I'm just gonna hope they aren't pressed.

TimmyGt

I did mine myself in my buddy's garage. it didn't take to long and it was harder to get the old ones out then getting the new ones in!