Control arm?

[mnc2fan]

Just recently, I've started having this kind of grinding squeak from the left front side (and not the usual suspension squeak from just being old, it does that too). The ball joint has been replaced before, maybe 5 years ago 80~90k miles or so. And anyone who's seen pics, the front has been lowered, and not the back. So its got a bit of a rake to it. This sound just started about 3 days ago, and has started getting a harsher sound to it.

I know this is the web so its hard to 'hear' it, so makes it hard to guess. So options I have? Its in need of an alignment, should I just take it to be done, and let them know there is something from that area, and if they would check in out.

I will be lowering the back to make it sit level, maybe that will help it out a bit.

[GasGuzzler]

Ball joints SUCK to replace on these. Get a price for a new control arm if the ball joint is making noise just to see the price difference. Might not be worth the hassle to replace just the joint. Plus, the joints are press fit and the arm can get hairline cracks or oversized joint bore if they're pressed in and out too many times or incorrectly.

[mnc2fan]

Yeah. I can see how it'd be cheaper to just buy the control arm. That can be a weekend job for a diyer like me?

Time to buy a floor jack.. and stands..

Just for s-n-g's can I use the control arms from the 1500hd (not 4wd of course), or is there even any sense in using them? Thinking they might be better.

[foggy]

I would also check your wheel bearing.

[banker099]

top ball joints are east to change...lowers are not!

[mnc2fan]

I'm going to be doing something soon. How can you tell what needs to be replaced?

[Fastime09]

Have u tried to grease the ball joints, maybe just dry...?

[mnc2fan]

Haven't touched it yet. But no they haven't been greased.. excellence thought.

[banker099]

well every boot on the front of my truck is ripped/torn/cracked....mine needs some serious TLC in the front suspension

[oleshifty]

Jack up the truck. If it moves 12 and 6, ball joints. If it moves 3 and 9 it's tie rods. If it moves both, or in/out....wheel assembly.

If not, grease it all up, hopefully it shuts up lol