Cracked Control Arm Bushing

[ThisIsMyRangerName]

I have a 2021 Ranger FX4 with only 26,000 miles. The rear end recently started making a loud squeak with each wheel rotation (see video). I took it to the local Ford dealer and they reported a cracked control arm bushing. They also reported a twisted leaf spring which was not causing the noise but needed to be urgently replaced. They wanted $2750 to replace both parts.

Does this sound legit? When I think control arm I think front end, but the noise was coming from the rear end. Also, is a twisted leaf spring an urgent replacement or can an indy repair it for cheaper? I don’t mind paying the dealer a little more to make sure things are done right but this seemed pretty steep given the truck’s low mileage.

Thanks in advance.

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[4x4 Ranger Man]

I'm not sure how a control arm bushing would cause what you are hearing I would be more interested into how you got a "twisted leaf spring" this might help explain the noise you are hearing.

 

[ThisIsMyRangerName]

These are the photos they provided of the leaf spring. The roads are terrible in my area so I see a lot of potholes but I’ve never done any off roading or anything.

 

[4x4 Ranger Man]

I live in Houston so I see many potholes and I off-road some too and I don't think a pothole did that did you hit something?

 

[ThisIsMyRangerName]

Nope, vehicle is collision/accident free

 

[4x4 Ranger Man]

I would be willing to bet the bad bushing is on the same side am i correct?

 

[ThisIsMyRangerName]

Yessir that's correct

 

[4x4 Ranger Man]

I am not talking about hitting a vehicle, I would bet you hit something in the road or someone driving your truck did and not tell you.

 

[4x4 Ranger Man]

And the sound you are hearing I would bet it is the brakes and they too have been tweaked by what was hit.

 

[ThisIsMyRangerName]

It's possible but I am the only one who drives the truck and I don't remember hitting anything recently, which is when the noise started. Dealer did not report any issues with the brakes. In any event, if I am going to pay close to $3k for the control arm and leaf spring it better fix the noise issue.

 

[4x4 Ranger Man]

Good luck but I am puzzled as to the noise it is making as neither of those I would think would make that sound It sounds like something is rubbing to me but looking at the caliper and rotor it is hard to tell. I would think you would well know when you did hit something to do that kind of damage. That is why I said maybe someone else was driving.

 

[fjwlobo]

If you're going to replace the rear leafsprings, I wouldn't replace them with the factory leafsprings. Do yourself a favor and get a multileaf. Cheaper and your ride will definitely improve.

I have the Icon. Do some research for yourself and get the ones that you feel will work best for you.

 

[Cabose-1]

My 2022 ranger had a pair of leafs like that on the driver side. Never caused problems, towing or working. Or made noise. Traded it after 60k miles. For a Ranger.

 

[airline tech]

To me the noise sounds like a pebble is stuck between the rotor and backing plate

 

[JoeDop1]

Agree with @airline tech. Jack up that wheel off the ground and rotate it. you'll likely hear where the noise is coming from. My driver's side leaf-spring looks the same. I've had no problems or noise to date.

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