My ’88 260E was making a groaning noise from the front end when making low speed turns, such as pulling into a parking space. I read in another post here that this same noise was caused by bad tie rod ends and was solved by replacing them. I checked the tie rod ends on my car and they seemed to be okay (no looseness and the boots were still intact) so I tried injecting some grease into the boot of the left side joint where the noise was coming from. The groaning immediately stopped. Apparently the lubricant had dried out and friction was causing the noise.

To inject the grease I used an injector needle attachment (available for a couple bucks at auto parts stores) on my grease gun. I stuck the needle through the lower half of the rubber boot and pumped grease in until the boot started to bulge.

I’m not sure if this fix will last long term but at least I know for sure what part was causing the noise and to keep an eye on it for future problems. I know from experience that once a tie rod end starts to wear it usually goes fast. Maybe greasing it when it first starts to make noise will extend the life somewhat.

It's probably a good idea to get all three links and replace them. I got a SEARS 2 jaw puller to do mine. I also used a fork on one of the joints. I had to remove the rubber boot on the drag link on the drivers side on my 300SE (W126). It acted like a small shock absorber. Good luck.

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.