what are some signs of a bad ball joint?

 

when youre backing and hit the brakes and you hear a pop

 

or when you go over a bump/crack in the road and it sounds like metal clanking.

 

floating all over the road

 

what happens if you dont get this fixed?

 

Wheels fall off pretty much

 

i dont know why but that made me think of the scene from tommy boy "oh no we're burning alive"... having the flu does strange things to your head

 

pretty much ha. my mechanic told me they didnt even take my truck for a "pre work" test drive because they were so bad ha

 

if it is a TTB truck, raise it up and grab the tire at 12 and 6 and pull in and out. if you feel play it is more than likely ball joints. have someone look to see which one it is.

if it is a torsion bar truck, jack the truck up, support it by the lower control arms so the suspension is not hanging, remove the wheels and pry down on the upper ball joint (hook your prybar in the frame by the shock mount and pry down. if there is up and down play in either ball joint greater than 1/32" to 1/16" they are bad. most torsion bar trucks will not show in and out play of the wheel if the ball joints are bad

 

LMAO. Yea.. Sounds like the flu is messing with you man.

Pretty much you can take a look at them visually. And do the moving back and forth like others have said. Thatll tell you if you need new ones or not.

 

push down on each front corner of the truck, listen for a 'screeching' sound.

 

pretty much what I was told. I asked the guy if I decided to wait and drove the truck would I be fine. ha ha ha ha

Just got new ball joints and tie rod for the truck

Good luck!!!!

 

yeah just put some in mine about a year ago caust me 300.00 just for the ball joints and uppers too and i put them in there not cheap

 

yeah its a pricey replacement. mine were 500 for moogs installed

 

Do you guys think my 33's would void that part of my warranty?

 

yes they can relate it but with no lift i think u might be able to get away with it, i called ford and asked a while back and he sayed if u lift it and they go bad its your fault, but more aggressive tires wont void the warrenty.

 

well my front passenger wheel makes a clinking/rattling noise whenever i go over a bump or rough terrain. could this be a bad ball joint?

 

I just did my ball joint...my passenger front tire leaned inward from the top, I took it in to my mac and he said my ball joints where loose as a goose, and then 78 bucks later fixed. And have you ever got a wheel bearings packed? get those checked too! and 33's voiding a warranty...ummm I would say yes unless the tires where put on by the same peeps as the ball joint!

 

Here's your sign...

 

As far as signs of a bad ball joint. I have 98 2wd 4.0 extended cab. Standing looking at the front of the truck the drivers side front tire leaned in at the top out at the bottom. It was pretty noticeable. And I was getting inside tire wear. And driving it felt like it was pushing something is the only way I can describe it. It has 93K on it. I just finished replacing both the lower ball joints and both upper control arms. Did a quick self alignment. OMGOSH! It feels like a different truck! Both my upper Ball Joints were completely shot! The lowers were not as bad, but needed done. But the thing is. Never made a noise. No clunk, squeak or pop. Nothing. Going to do both front Wheel bearings and be done with it. Heck I may even treat her to a new pair a shocks! The ball joints really did make a huge huge difference. Not the easiest job I have ever done, not the hardest. Getting the lower Ball Joints pressed back in was the worst part.