Front End Popping Noise
 

The wheel bearings have been changed, new shocks added 2 weeks ago and the same popping or clucnk noise when backing up or turning sharp. Tie rods have been checked but not replaced. All done under warranty. Any other suggestions?

Mine makes the same noise.
When you get it resolved be sure to post what it was plz :)

Rand

check the steering stops. 2 metal nubs on the lower control arms. smear some thick grease on them. that is the ford fix. let me know if it works!

I had the same prob, but it was my lower ball joint on the passenger side

Yea, my friend had the same problem, it was the lower ball joint.

the ball joints are a definite possibility, but i would check the steering stops first, that is a much more common problem, i had it on my 99 and 03, and greasing the steering stops seemed to fix it. if it doesnt help, then i would look at the ball joints

I get a popping on compression of the shocks, hard bumps mostly, but my tie rod ends are noodles so I'm pretty sure that's it.

I had a bad lower pass ball joint.. it was already replaced.. still same noise.
My mechanic swears the other 3 are fine... (which is unusual lol)

Rand

Lower Ball Joints replaced as well. Greased steering stops and have not heard the problem yet.

let me know if the noise comes back. im telling you guys it just sounds like the steering stops :wink:

Thanks BOB I appreciate the help

Anyone have a pic of what exactly im susposed to grease?
Also are there any grease points on a stock ranger (I thought no)
How about any tricks to grease "lubed for life" stuff?

Rand

the steering stops are not a moving part, its literally a "boss" on the lower control arm that hits the spindle or brake caliper to stop the wheel from turning any farther. if you look at the lower arm, you should see the spots, they will most likely be clean shiny metal spots. just smear grease on them.

as far as i know, there arent any zerks if that what you mean. there is no way to grease the permanently sealed joints, you just replace them when they go bad

Popping noise has returned. Mainly when going over speed bumps slowly as the front end bounces and when backing out of driveways or dips in the road.

i would def get the ball joints checked clay, if they are bad you can tell if you get the wheel off the ground and shake it, you will see or hear play in the joint. if greasing the stops didnt help, thats your next step

I have the same popping noise when I make hard turns. But only when I turn to the right. And it only makes one loud pop. I have the fabtech spindles installed, and never noticed it until after the lift was on. I also installed the fabtech steering stops.

I always assumed it was the stops. But I never hear it when I turn to the left.

Mabye I should check the ball joints. How hard is it to replace them? Or to pay someone to do it?

Thanks.

Justin

Ok, but they were replaced 4 months ago when this started, stranger things have happened, thank god for warranty

very true, just because something was just changed doesnt mean its not bad again. you learn that real fast working with old cars. and yes, thank god for warrantys :wink:

see this, im going to repost it
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...8514#post88514

dude that sucks. if you were in so cal. my dad would warranty it. Him and mazda don't always see eye to eye. Since he's at the number 2 rated mazda dealership in the entire region, they kind of have to eat it sometimes

same problem
 

i jsut got my trruck inspected and it was making the same noise before and after i took it in and it only needed one balljoint. Let me know what happens when oyu get it resolved, cause i would like to know.

Mine is going in later today for balljoints (lower) and strut replacement. They are both bad. I want my truck back, for safety reasons I have been driving a 2005 Sentra SER SpecV