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Nov 18, 2011 | 03:40 PM

Studawg

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Joined: Dec 2010

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From: SC

Front End Questions

So I have been hearing some knocking noises when turning, hitting bumps, on rough roads, etc... and they have gotten more pronounced since I installed the X code springs up front. I dont really have any "wandering" to speak of, but I think I have some things worn out up front. There is some play in the steering wheel. I guess I need to replace some tie rod ends or something.

My question is: What exactly needs to be replaced? What is it that wears out up there and what should I replace?

I need to get an alignment after these springs because it is out, but want to replace this stuff before I do the alignment.

I dont really know what it is up there that wears out. Is it just tie rod ends? I dont even really know what ball joints are or if I have them on a 4WD.

Thanks for any input.

Nov 18, 2011 | 05:14 PM

Jmatthews

is a BAAAD MAN

Joined: Apr 2005

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From: Winston Salem NC

The knocking is probably the sway bar bushings, it was in my case. If you have not done the ball joints they are probably worn (yes you have them). How do your tires wear? I would check your ball joints first, but you can also tighten up your steering box a bit if your ball joints are good. I bet you need ball joints though haha.

Nov 18, 2011 | 05:18 PM

jasonodsky

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2010

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From: Milwaukee, WI

One way bad ball joints present in our 4x4 Ex is to wear a sawtooth pattern in the tire. You can feel it when running your hand front to back over the tread. The front of the tread lug will be low and ramp up to the highest point at the back of the lug. The next lug will start low and go high, following the pattern of a saw blade.

Nov 20, 2011 | 09:52 AM

mbr9935

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: League City, TX

EX's are notorious for having ball joints go bad. One way to check them is to jack up one wheel at a time (slightly off the ground) and see how much play the wheel has by moving it up/down and left/right. Should be little to no play if ball joints are good and tight. If movement is noticable and sloppy....bad ball joints.

Nov 20, 2011 | 12:53 PM

9mpg

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Joined: Nov 2010

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From: West Chester, PA

On my friends 2000 X (about three years ago) and on my own 2004 X (this year) I started to hear a noise like a front wheel bearing failing. Bought the bearing and while replacing it (it was definitely bad) noticed his and my upper ball joints were toast. I wonder if the ball joint went out, cocked the wheel bearing slightly, thereby changing the angle of the load on the bearing, and ruined it? (at 2000 pounds per corner, a side load on an X bearing can't be good for it)

One way to check your ball joints... while stopped push brake pedal to the floor... if you can't turn the steering wheel back and forth(lock to lock), something is wrong up front... the front end should pivot/swivel on the front tires while stopped... if the ball joints are bad they will bind and you will have to let up lightly on the brake pedal before the steering wheel will turn.

Nov 20, 2011 | 04:10 PM

EXv10

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Mt. Shasta California

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9mpg

Sorry, both observations are wrong. The top joints have nothing to do with the wheel bearings (ever)! The wheel turning phenomenon is caused by the fact that the wheel has to move up and back due to the caster built in while turning and the brake hampers it.