Balljoints?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2008
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From: Americas' hat (Canada)
Lift the truck up and place it on jack stands. Look for any cuts or tears in the rubber seal. If you do have a big cut or tear, I would suggest to replace them just to prevent the failure. Sometimes a smaller cut or tear can get a little patch to prevent dirt and grime from entering under the seal.
To check the uppers, grab the upper control arm (UCA) near the balljoint and attempt to move the arm up and down. Look for any movement between the UCA and the steering knuckle.
To check the lowers, grab your tire on the top and bottom and try move the wheel up and down. Look for movement between the LCA and the steering knuckle. Again, you don't want to see any movement on the ball joint.
I find what works fairly easy to check the uppers and lowers though, is to grab one side of the tire (top or bottom) and try to push and pull the tire while looking for movement. I managed to notice that my uppers needed replacing just by rocking the top of the tire while the truck was on the ground.
Also, shake the wheel left and right to look for play on your tie rod ends while you're in there.
To check the uppers, grab the upper control arm (UCA) near the balljoint and attempt to move the arm up and down. Look for any movement between the UCA and the steering knuckle.
To check the lowers, grab your tire on the top and bottom and try move the wheel up and down. Look for movement between the LCA and the steering knuckle. Again, you don't want to see any movement on the ball joint.
I find what works fairly easy to check the uppers and lowers though, is to grab one side of the tire (top or bottom) and try to push and pull the tire while looking for movement. I managed to notice that my uppers needed replacing just by rocking the top of the tire while the truck was on the ground.
Also, shake the wheel left and right to look for play on your tie rod ends while you're in there.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
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Should be able to. I lift the tire slightky off the ground and use a 2x6 and longer pry bar to move tne tire up and down to check for wear. If either upper or lower control arm moves without movement from knuckle, it's time for replacement.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 8,098
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From: Westford, MA
Here's a link to the ball joints section on our website, if you would like to check them out.
2008 F150 Ball Joints
2008 F150 Ball Joints
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Ranger Louie
2004 - 2008 F150
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Jul 31, 2009 09:03 PM
