97 t-bird: where is the noise coming from?
Asked by whatsup Nov 23, 2012 at 08:57 AM about the 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX RWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
my 1997 t-bird has a terrible squeak, almost squeal, with turning or up and down motion, has been on lift at the best suspension shop in area. There are no vibrations, no pulling, no visible signs. Help?
5 Answers
whatsup, could you please explain a bit more on what you mean by 'turning up or down motion" ? What is it that turns?
davidH25 sorry shoul be turning, or up an down as you would to check shocks.
OK got ya. Thanks for getting back but I have more. Does it do it at all speeds, what did the suspension shop say? A squeal is often a serpentine belt slipping, under the load of the alternator charging the battery after starting, or power steering pump --either belt or pump itself. What i would do is check two things first: the level of P/S fluid and belt tension, then we will address the unusual motion
MrBlueOval answered 12 years ago
It's probably a squeaking noise not a squeal which would be a loose belt. It sounds like control arm bushings to me or a shock or strut. nothing a little squirt of WD-40 wouldn't fix. Kenny/MrBlueOval
My bet is the ball joints. Ford lower ball joints (and I know you only have lower ball joints) can make one HELL of a racket, and not show any sign of wear until it is too late!
