Hi:
I'm going nuts trying to get my 2001 Explorer (145K miles) repaired.
Front end noise (creaking when turning) at 128K, so local NC independent mechanic replaced upper and lower control arms and ball joint. Seemed fine. ($1000)
7,000 miles later, while on a long trip, it began squeeking like a pair of teenagers on a rusty bed. Ford dealer's "suspension specialist" in TX said a ball joint was dry, greased it up, and all was quiet. He also said tie rods needed replacing (which he would be glad to do that day), which my NC mechainc nixed, sayin the TX guy was "fishing." NC mechanic thinks the boot must have popped off, so the joint dried. Inspected it, said it looked fine.
5,000 miles later, this time in MD, same thing. Local MD mechanic greases joint. NC mechanic gets on phone to mfg of the replacement ball joint assembly who immediately offers to send "updated" boots, free. Makes us think they had a problem with the original boots.
3,000 miles later, after running at 70mph for an hour, rusty spring noise again. (On a Friday afternoon, of course. Called the NC mechanic who said it wasn't dangerous, just embarassing, and to come in at 8:00 Monday). Over the next three days I observe that it takes about an hour of driving before the vehicle starts creaking. NC mechanic says, "Ah-ha!" and relaces the swaybar links and bushings. ($250)
Less than 1000 miles later, the creaking and groaning noise is back and worse than ever: on bumpy roads, and when still (such as in a parking lot), when the steering wheel is turned. And it doesn't have to be hot to screech.
HELP! I'm thinking maybe the replacement ball joint/arms were defective? Are there other bushings to replace? What else can make the nosie?
I'm starting to get a bit afraid of this possibly being very dangerous.
TIA.
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