new B here with a quick ?

[stinkin_linkin]

ok here goes... my car (2000 lincoln ls v8) just recently started squeeking pretty bad in the front end when i turn and when i hit bumps and things like that, is it that i need new control arms to replace the ball joints or could it be something else?

 

[HyeLifeLS]

Probably lower ball joints and the stabilizator bar. Change the bar first.

 

[controller77]

Mine did that for a while, then it just stopped. I ended up having to get my lower control arm and driver side ball joint replaced a few months later. Don't know if that was caused the squeaking or not.

 

[LS4me]

It's the stabilizer bar bushings. Mine has been doing that (mainly when it's cold) for almost two years! Embarrassing and eventually I'll get the bar replaced.....

 

[97stscaddy]

You dont have to replace the bar. Just the bushings.

Get a can of wd 40 and spray down the bushings real well, then drive around some and hit a few speed bumps to get full suspension movement. If it is the sway bar bushings that should shut the up until you can replace them.
You could also disconnect the end links (need a special puller though I think) on both sides and just move the sway bar by hand.

 

[LS4me]

You dont have to replace the bar. Just the bushings.

Get a can of wd 40 and spray down the bushings real well, then drive around some and hit a few speed bumps to get full suspension movement. If it is the sway bar bushings that should shut the up until you can replace them.
You could also disconnect the end links (need a special puller though I think) on both sides and just move the sway bar by hand.

I already did that. It worked for a very short time and the squeak came back. Also, replacing just the bushings will require doing it again. There is a flaw in the design which is why there is an updated bar, with the bushings formed to the bar. IMHO, it isn't wise to drive around with any suspension component disconnected. The system works as a whole and leaving out one part could have disastrous results.

 

[SoonerLS]

IMHO, it isn't wise to drive around with any suspension component disconnected. The system works as a whole and leaving out one part could have disastrous results.

I think he was just recommending disconnecting the bar as a diagnostic procedure, not as a fix (ie, disconnect the bar and move it by hand to see if it squeaks.

 

[97stscaddy]

IMHO, it isn't wise to drive around with any suspension component disconnected.

Where did I say to DRIVE with the bar disconnected?

Moot point here, but disconnecting the sway bar will have NO impact on the supension workings of the car. You can still drive the car just fine, even if it is removed entirely. It will lean more in corners, but that's it. You try that with a balljoint or control arm bushing and its a whole different ball game, but the sway bar has no affect on the driveability of the vehicle.