Leveled new suspension creaking while turning

[Jb14]

I have a 2005 4WD Expeditions that I just added a leveling kit and re-did the suspension and more. Replace all 4 corners.

Now that everything has settled in I am getting a creaking sound when turning (Forward or reverse) Had mechanic re-tighten everything and grease and still have creaking sound (Mechanic say thats probably normal with the lift) Only thing is that the creaking sounds like it only coming from the Drivers side.

One last thing when going over speed bumps or when off roading the suspension makes bang noise as if strut package has some space to move.

Under normal conditions the truck drives great smooth no pull. Plus very happy with the look.

Here is the parts that were replaced over two days.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated

Leveling Kit: F 3 1/2 R 2 1/2
Timken Wheel Bearings
Bilstein Shocks
Moog Constant rate springs and mounting hardware
Motorcraft upper control Arms and Lower ball joints
Moog stability bar ends plus inner and out tierod end (K-series NOT RK)
Brake rotors and extreme pads plus brake lines

Tires: Toyo Open Country R/T 35" on Method Silver 17 x 8.5 wheels.

 

[GAINMOB]

how do ur ball joints look...that was my creaking noise and went away when I replaced them

 

[Jb14]

I replaced both front ball joints with OEM

 

[2004XLT]

Check the torque on the lower strut mount. For mine it was 300 ft lbs if I remember right.

It's not normal to have creaking with the lift. Also torque on the top strut mount 3 bolts.

 

[Gruz7]

Yeah I just put my spacers on the struts and will be installed the new struts on the truck soon with the level and I torqued them quite a bit over spec and used some blue loctite... The large bottom bolt will get some loctite too and about 350 ft/lbs


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[Jb14]

Locktight was used on all bolts. I think the mechanic did not torque all bolts to the proper specs, so Im going to go through today and re-torque to spec. Thank you

 

[Gruz7]

How'd it turn out? I just had my level installed and I'm getting creaking sound but my sway bar end links are disconnected on one side and the passenger ball joint has a massive hole in it... After I address these issues I'll let you know how I'm doing lol


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[Jb14]

My ball joints are brand new and everything is tight. It appears to be the axles. I am getting new one installed next week, I am also going to do the 4 wheel actuators while I doing the axles. This time I am taking to a drive line specialty company to make sure everything is set properly plus Im going to rebuild the entire drive line. By truck has 240k on the clock runs great. I will report back when job is completed and give an accurate

 

[Gruz7]

My ball joints are brand new and everything is tight. It appears to be the axles. I am getting new one installed next week, I am also going to do the 4 wheel actuators while I doing the axles. This time I am taking to a drive line specialty company to make sure everything is set properly plus Im going to rebuild the entire drive line. By truck has 240k on the clock runs great. I will report back when job is completed and give an accurate

Awesome because I think my truck has some kind of t case issue as well would love to hear how yours works out... In the mean time I think I'll be doing my upper control arms etc then alignment

 

[Gruz7]

Fixed it... Was upper control arms sounds perfect now and alignment tomorrow


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[moreira72]

I have a 2005 4WD Expeditions that I just added a leveling kit and re-did the suspension and more. Replace all 4 corners.

Now that everything has settled in I am getting a creaking sound when turning (Forward or reverse) Had mechanic re-tighten everything and grease and still have creaking sound (Mechanic say thats probably normal with the lift) Only thing is that the creaking sounds like it only coming from the Drivers side.

One last thing when going over speed bumps or when off roading the suspension makes bang noise as if strut package has some space to move.

Under normal conditions the truck drives great smooth no pull. Plus very happy with the look.

Here is the parts that were replaced over two days.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated

Leveling Kit: F 3 1/2 R 2 1/2
Timken Wheel Bearings
Bilstein Shocks
Moog Constant rate springs and mounting hardware
Motorcraft upper control Arms and Lower ball joints
Moog stability bar ends plus inner and out tierod end (K-series NOT RK)
Brake rotors and extreme pads plus brake lines

Tires: Toyo Open Country R/T 35" on Method Silver 17 x 8.5 wheels.

Check sway bar link ends. Had a Caddy Deville that also made a loud bang when going over speed bumps and when turning. Drivers side link end was bad.

 

[Gruz7]

Check sway bar link ends. Had a Caddy Deville that also made a loud bang when going over speed bumps and when turning. Drivers side link end was bad.

Think he had them replaced in the overhaul but even if he did... I would check them again, check the torque on them and thoroughly inspect the joints for damage or abnormal or grease leaking, anything like that.. My creaking noise was the end link not being torqued to spec and I had them replaced as well... Tightened down the truck is quiet as a mouse going over bumps!

Let's us know how it goes for you

 

[moreira72]

Think he had them replaced in the overhaul but even if he did... I would check them again, check the torque on them and thoroughly inspect the joints for damage or abnormal or grease leaking, anything like that.. My creaking noise was the end link not being torqued to spec and I had them replaced as well... Tightened down the truck is quiet as a mouse going over bumps!

Let's us know how it goes for you

I would also check the sway bar mount bushings for wear. The rubber may have worn and is no longer tight around the bar. You can replace the mount bushings and link ends and won't break the bank. I like moog products.

 

[Jb14]

Thanks guys! Yes I did have the sway bar ends changed along with new upper control arms. I am going into a drive line specialty company tomorrow. One to have creak figured out the other to up grade (a bit) my drive train and trans. I will be rebuilding the engine shortly and will be wanting more torque out of the engine for towing and wheeling. Engine been bullet proof with almost 242K but want to be good for another 25ok

 

[Jb14]

Ok so I just came from the driveline specialist and my creak has magically disappeared. I actually noticed or did not notice over the past couple weeks that I was not hearing the noise anymore. They were actually impressed with how good things looked, no slop at all from the drive line. couple of things that I do have to get done and this is where I am a complete novice. The transfer case is starting to leak ( I noticed when under the truck last week but not enough to drip on driveway) So this is the work they quoted me. To replace the transfer case seals (Total 3) they say they have to drop the case, they will do a complete service, plus I am having both front axles rebuilt ($100 ea side) the cost is estimated at $900. Will include rear end service. They say the main issue for cost is labor for having to drop case. Does this sound right??

 

[CertusExpo]

If POLY bushings were used in place or rubber ones, they MUST be lubed well upon install as they are grippy and will creak if not lubed. So much so that Energy Suspension uses lube fittings on some applications.

 

[Jb14]

Mine are just regular rubber. I was looking for the poly but could never get a clear picture on what would fit

 

[Gruz7]

Mine are just regular rubber. I was looking for the poly but could never get a clear picture on what would fit

My newly leveled suspension also creaks a tiny bit when moving the truck around but not at higher speeds... Has new upper controls and joints from MOOG and driver's side has new tie rod end and sway bar link and the pass side is still original.. The struts are brand new as well. I think mine might have something to do with the cv shafts.. Next things on my list for repairs are front 4wd wheel actuators, wheel bearings, cv shafts/boots and brakes pads/rotors...
Also the brakes are warped and worn and grind a tiny bit when coming to a stop could be contributing to my creaky noise... Anyways good luck and hopefully mine will go away in replacing things like yours did lol

 

[Jb14]

I believe my creaking came from the CV Half Shaft but the creak as gone away . I am having my transfer case (minor leak started)and CV replaced next Monday. My CV are original 242k. I replaced all those parts that you are replacing when I did lift. I also replaced my rubber brake lines for maintenance purposes and piece of mind

 

[Gruz7]

I believe my creaking came from the CV Half Shaft but the creak as gone away . I am having my transfer case (minor leak started)and CV replaced next Monday. My CV are original 242k. I replaced all those parts that you are replacing when I did lift. I also replaced my rubber brake lines for maintenance purposes and piece of mind

I hear ya on peace of mind for sure... I'm figuring once I get the brakes off of there and replaced with some good quality pad and rotors it'll sound a bit better and the cvs and everything else holding the front wheels outta get rid of the creaking completely unless it's in the suspension but that is almost all the way rebuilt... Along with that I'll be doing the u joints on both ends of the drive lines and also have the updated (covered) IWE solenoid to add too.. Should help a bit at keeping out water