When I turn the wheel either way, I hear a creaking sound like an old rocking chair. At first I thought it was coming from my power steering pump but it isn't. Is this a sign of bad ball joints?
Sounds all too familiar to me.My guess is your sitting at idle.Are your wheels parked straight and it makes this creaking sound when you turn it just a little to the left or right from center? I had this problem before and the culprit is usually one of 2 things.Either one or both of your outer tierods are lacking grease or your entire steering rack is shifting.
If it's the outer tierods and they are aftermarket ones,chances are they have a grease fitting on the bottom in which case...just add grease.Original Ford part or no fitting? Then they have to be replaced.Also,if they are lacking grease then chances are dirt and other crap is getting in.Replace the dust boot.
If it's your steering rack shifting from side to side...either the nuts and bolts need to be re-tightened or you need new sleeves and/or bushings.Now,it normally does move,but very slightly.That's why the bushings are in place.Well that and to reduce vibrations.The creaking sound could be coming from the metal sleeve grinding against the cross member.
First though....Jack your car up and set it on jack stands so it doen't move.Now that the front is off the ground,have the steering wheel unlocked then go around and grab each wheel firmly by both sides and turn it both ways.Do this with each wheel.You can get a better idea of where the noise is coming from this way.There are other sources besides what I mentioned.But those 2 resembled issues I had on my own.
Sounds all too familiar to me.My guess is your sitting at idle.Are your wheels parked straight and it makes this creaking sound when you turn it just a little to the left or right from center? I had this problem before and the culprit is usually one of 2 things.Either one or both of your outer tierods are lacking grease or your entire steering rack is shifting.
If it's the outer tierods and they are aftermarket ones,chances are they have a grease fitting on the bottom in which case...just add grease.Original Ford part or no fitting? Then they have to be replaced.Also,if they are lacking grease then chances are dirt and other crap is getting in.Replace the dust boot.
If it's your steering rack shifting from side to side...either the nuts and bolts need to be re-tightened or you need new sleeves and/or bushings.Now,it normally does move,but very slightly.That's why the bushings are in place.Well that and to reduce vibrations.The creaking sound could be coming from the metal sleeve grinding against the cross member.
First though....Jack your car up and set it on jack stands so it doen't move.Now that the front is off the ground,have the steering wheel unlocked then go around and grab each wheel firmly by both sides and turn it both ways.Do this with each wheel.You can get a better idea of where the noise is coming from this way.There are other sources besides what I mentioned.But those 2 resembled issues I had on my own.