Ball joints gone ... again!?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 7
From: Francestown, NH
Ball joints gone ... again!?
So inaddition to frozen parking brake pivots, my truck also failed state inspection for upper and lower ball joints, this time on the right side.
This is the 5 set of upper and lowers in the last 120,000 miles (seems to go back and forth between L&R). Luckily I don't pay a single penny out of pocket each time as I originally bought MOOG, but what the hell??
I haven't plowed with it since the winter before last.
Is this truck really that hard on them? Could there be a problem with my suspension, maybe the shocks or leaf springs? Maybe that's what's placing so much stress on these parts?
Thank God I only had to buy them once. Still a great warranty for 5 sets later ... is that good or bad though?
This is the 5 set of upper and lowers in the last 120,000 miles (seems to go back and forth between L&R). Luckily I don't pay a single penny out of pocket each time as I originally bought MOOG, but what the hell??
I haven't plowed with it since the winter before last.
Is this truck really that hard on them? Could there be a problem with my suspension, maybe the shocks or leaf springs? Maybe that's what's placing so much stress on these parts?
Thank God I only had to buy them once. Still a great warranty for 5 sets later ... is that good or bad though?
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Francestown, NH
There's a decent regional tire and auto chain up here that I bring it too.
They do the work and cover part and labor. I pay nothing out of pocket.
I have been greasing them on every oil change, but not going crazy as I heard you don't want to blow the seal forcing too much grease into them.
They do the work and cover part and labor. I pay nothing out of pocket.
I have been greasing them on every oil change, but not going crazy as I heard you don't want to blow the seal forcing too much grease into them.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
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From: Corvallis, OR
When I greased my MOOG ball joints, I pushed it in until the seal burped a little. After it burped the excess out, the seal re-seated and was intact.
What grease are you using? Is it the correct high-pressure grease? (NLGI-2)
What grease are you using? Is it the correct high-pressure grease? (NLGI-2)
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,693
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From: Francestown, NH
I believe so, it's Valvoline DuraBlend. It says NLGI #2 GC-LB on the tube.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Green Lane, Pa.
You must have never seen a vehicle where the ball joint separated, it can put you in the morgue at highway speeds.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 19,061
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From: Saratoga Springs,UT
There is no controlling it just hang on and start praying
No Kidden put ya in a Pine Box 6ft Under
They check BJ here in UT too Them shops Love to Fail them for That at 1200.00 a truck to change em
Sounds like you getting a GREAT Deal if your not paying Nothing especialy for labor
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
I suppose some people are oblivious to such things, but I check mine about as often as I change fuel filters. Good ol' government has to babysit everyone so those of us that know how to take care of things get to pay for those that don't.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 933
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From: Québec
They check them here too, zero tolerance on them. A friend of mine had two bad BJ, but he had time to replace only one, so he replaced one a few days before the inspection and he was told the two BJ where out of tolerance. He got real mad, then the inspector said HO! Ok, the new one will be OK.
Same thing with tie rod end, zero tolerance side ways.
Same thing with tie rod end, zero tolerance side ways.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 630
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From: Land of Lincoln
Just got my safety inspection yesterday. I have a lower BJ with a hair of play in it & they let me slide but told me when I come back for the next one (in 6 months) that it better be replaced.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: Québec
The inspection is not required any more in our province since 2010 for vehicle under 4600 KG private truck, thank God. I had to replace a BJ at 21,000 miles then a tie rod at 45,000 miles., The BJ was under waranty, not the tie rod.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 630
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From: Land of Lincoln
$30 every 6 months. If you have a D plate a safety inspection sticker is required on the windshield. I see alot of guys running around without them but if you get caught in some towns the tickets are hefty.