I just fixed my rear end creaking to find another one not a day later . Now it creaks from the drivers side front wheel area.

It started after I went down some rough roads and drove through a good sized puddle (water went flying everywhere on the drivers side) then it squealed! I figured I just got my brakes wet, continued on. It kept squealing for a few hundred more feet then turned to a scrapping sound. Looked under the car and saw none of my frame or anything else dragging. Was in the middle of the woods, no cell service and there was no way in hell I was going to drive in reverse at night for miles, so continued on hoping maybe a good chunk of mud was working its way out. few hundred more feet and it silenced . Set up camp on Lake Superior at the end of the trail and all seemed fine. On the way back there is a slight creak, but hey it was rough roads and a long trip, didn't think too much of it, and it faded out once back on pavement. Once home though the creaking returned, and has since stayed.

It creaks most notably when I get in the car (I'm above average weight, but not that fat ) or hit a pot hole with that tire. Turning seems to have no effect. If I push down on the hood hard enough I can get a creak, but I have to put most of my weight into it.

I decided to take the tire off thinking maybe some over due grease will help, or maybe something got caught and it just needed cleaning. Small chance but it is cheap and easy for me to do. First thing I see is this.



I'm guessing this is the source of the creaking, or at the very least a problem. I'm pretty sure that the rubber thing that holds the grease is busted, just have no idea how to repair it or replace it, let alone what it is.

 

That is a outer tie rod end. I suggest replacing both left and right outer tie rod ends, they are not expensive and easy to do, provided you have a joint separator tool. Also have to be careful to count the number of turns it takes to remove the old ones and to put the new ones on the same number of turns, otherwise you will need a toe setting done at a alignment shop.
Check RockAuto for prices.

 

I would change both inner and outer with new sleeves, that looks so rusted that trying to separate them isn't worth the effort it will take , you will find it so easy to do all 4 that you will thank yourself that you did. ...imo...and sleeves are dirt cheap.

 

Got it done, I'll admit I used cheap parts fitting of a college budget but the creak is gone and my steering almost seems tighter, maybe it's just me. I just went ahead and did the entire tie rod, even with it all apart I couldn't make the old sleeve budge. The other side seemed like it was in good shape so let it be for now.

The blazer also saw an alignment before ya ask.

Thanks for the help.

The creak is GONE! (for now)