Squeak coming from front end

[OneStiffGT]

OK I searched the threads and came up with the conclusion that it can be the steering rack, rack bushings or ball joint.

I can't pinpoint which one it is.

The car makes a squeak when I turn the steering wheel, doesn't make any squeak if I turn the wheel slowly, doesn't squeak if I jack up the frontside and turn the wheel. Does squeak when the engine isn't running but I turn the wheel. Does squeak when I open the passenger door, step on the door sills and rock the car.

The car doesn't make the squeak as loud as it used to when I jack the car up and put it back down, but after a bit of driving the noise comes back.

While my bro was turning the wheel I looked under the car, the steering rack moves side to side a tad bit when the wheel is turning, is that normal?

This thing is driving me insane.

 

[DTNODYA]

The steering rack will move some. I had a squeak that annoyed the hell out of me so I replaced my tie rod ends ... didn't work. Then I replaced my swaybar bushings and it seemed to help a little but it came back. Replaced my rack bushings and the sound is gone. My noise was more like a clunk/creeking sound but it could the same thing.

You can troubleshoot your ball joints by jacking the front up, grab the tire push/pull and see if you have any movement.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on either the shock or control arm bushings rather than the rack ... Good luck.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Maximum Motorsports urethane rack bushings are only $16 and fairly easy to install. IMHO every Mustang owner should install them...

 

[OneStiffGT]

ok, i tried a few other stuff today.

When I rock the car from the drivers side there is no squeak, so its only when the passenger side.

When I tried to move the wheel while it was jacked yesterday I didn't see a lot of movement, but I can give it a try tomorrow again.

This thing is seriously driving me nuts, makes me hate my car even more.

 

[Mustang5L5]

The steering rack bushings are known for making noise. I don;t know if this is your problem, but there is a TSB on this problem .

Some guys have fixed it by removing one bolt at a time, greasing the bolt and bushing up well and reinstalling it

 

[03ghoststang]

i replaced mine they squeaked like a mofo

 

[DTMach1]

The steering rack bushings are known for making noise. I don;t know if this is your problem, but there is a TSB on this problem .

Some guys have fixed it by removing one bolt at a time, greasing the bolt and bushing up well and reinstalling it

That's the easiest way to do it, and doesn't cost you anything if you've already got grease.

just make sure you torque 'em back down to spec.