I have a '96 4x4 Blazer, and it has a front end "creaking" noise (best way I can describe it). Its in the right front, and is most noticeable when I am turning (especially left) and when goign over bumps.
Wondering what it coud be, and for and anything I can check out.

In an unrelated question, the front suspension seems really soft. I am guessing it is the shocks, but is there anything else?

Thanks in advance

 

yeah id replace the shocks if i was you and see how that does you

 

your creaking noise could be a result of several things. One thing to check is your control arm bushings they are often a culprit in creaking. Also check your cv axle these can also be an issue you may have a ripped boot. The soft suspension may be your shocks but also you could have some torsion bar sagging best way to check what may be wrong is to remove a shock and compress it and see if it still has any strength. You can solve a torsion bar problem by either getting new torsion bars or try cranking them up a bit, there is a bolt at the back of each torsion bar with a torsion key I believe its an 18mm just crank a little excessive cranking will add to your front suspension woes

 

Sounds good. How do you check the control arm bushings?

 

they'll look worn out cracks in the rubber. I'd recommend getting replacement polyurethane bushings they'll last forever

 

Are the control arm bushings difficult to change?
I get the same creaking especially when the wheel is hard left or right.
I noticed one looked pretty bad when I pulled the engine.

 

I looked at what I think are the control arm bushings, and they dont look to be cracked or too worn.
The creak only really happens when I turn. What else can I look for?

 

One of the front outer sway bar links was sheared off, so I replaced it and it is amazing the amount of body roll that was happening with only link.
The creak seems to be gone for the little bit of a drive I did tonight.
I still have to replace the other side once I get a hack saw to cut it off.
Anybody confirm that you tighten the link to 132 ft-lbs?

 

When was the last time the truck was greased up? CV shafts dont creak, they click. My bet is ball joints are dry.

If the front end is "Boating" Dont bother taking the shocks off and testing them. Take them off and replace them with QUALITY shocks. I like Monroe selectra-track or reflex if you like a "Truck" ride.

 

I dont think I need to take off the shocks either. They seem like they are done.
I will grease everything up when I do the other sway bar link.

How do you check for play in the ball joints?