‘03 Ram steering/suspension squeal

BigWaylon

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I have an awful sounding squeal in the front end somewhere. Sounds like something that needs to be greased, but it may be a part that’s just failed. Mainly notice it when turning, but I can also get the sound (not near as loud) by rocking the truck when it’s in the driveway. Not sure if it’s a bushing/bearing that’s worn out or not.

Anybody in the Charlotte, Concord, Huntersville area willing to help diagnose and repair? I do a lot of minor stuff on my own (brakes, trans/diff fluids, replace radiator), but have never messed with ball joints or other items on this one. Did a ton of work on my TJ, but would like a hand on this diagnosing and repair.
 
@BigWaylon

I can meet you somewhere and look listen I had an 07 that did that. Was the bushings on the stabilizer bar. I'm in denver but can meet you wherever
 
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without looking at it, just going by experience, Ima say ball joints
If I had to go to the store and buy a part to guess at fixing it, that’s what I would buy.

Going to try and meet up with @LeeMajors Saturday and see if we can figure it out.
 
Whatever it is, I assume at ~152K I should go ahead and replace both sides? (Even if only one side ends up being the culprit)
 
I would guess one of two things bushings on sway bar as they are cheap guess and being cold tend to sqeak and ball joints being the other that is more costly but common issue on them.
 
Gonna attempt to fix this today with a fellow CFF member. Fingers crossed!
 
I’m not seeing any issues so far. :oops:

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Just because they flop around like a joystick doesn’t mean they’re bad. :p
 
Are those 'press in' or do you need to get the whole arm? If you need the kit I have one.

Add some grease, it'll last a few more miles... :eek:
 
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Are those 'press in' or do you need to get the whole arm? If you need the kit I have one.

Add some grease, it'll last a few more miles... :eek:
Those are press in. It was actually about the same price to buy new uppers and lowers with bushings and ball joints installed than it was to buy just bushing and balls joints. And swapping CAs is definitely less labor since they’re coming out anyway to get to the bushing and ball joints.

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The other side:

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I think you got your $ worth out of them.

I hear you about the replacement unit vs the parts. Years ago, years as in 1972'ish, the only thing you could do was cut a new surface on brake rotors and drums. The replacement part was 10x the cost of the machining, if you could find a new part. Now you can buy a new one for $35-$100 and can't find anyone with a brake lathe.
 
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