I got a slight problem...any ideas?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
I got a slight problem...any ideas?
I am about to make a 230 mile trip back home today. I went outside to check my fluid levels and tire air pressure before I leave. I noticed that my driver's side front tire has become very shiny on the inside of the tire all the way around. It appears that the tire has been rubbing some suspension components while under full-steer. So I checked the torsion bars, control arms, etc...no signs of rubbing. So the problem isn't while I'm turning. So then I started looking around, and I noticed that the upper ball joint and the edge of the mud-guard are both scuffed up. From what I can tell, my tire is rubbing the upper control arm where the ball joint is. Like I said, it's been bad apparently because the tire is worn down to the point the rubber is shiny on the inside. I have factory size tires 245/75-16. What is up with this?? 
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
I got a slight problem...any ideas?
Take a look at the stabilizer bar in front of the LH tire to see if
it is polished up a little. During full RH turn, the inside edge of
the tire comes real close to the bar. That would account for the
shiney tire caused by rubbing a smooth surface. The bar might
be powder coated so you might not see much contact on the bar.
Try putting a little masking tape along the outside contour of the
bar and make a couple long RH turns at full turn to see if the tape
sees the tire surface.
it is polished up a little. During full RH turn, the inside edge of
the tire comes real close to the bar. That would account for the
shiney tire caused by rubbing a smooth surface. The bar might
be powder coated so you might not see much contact on the bar.
Try putting a little masking tape along the outside contour of the
bar and make a couple long RH turns at full turn to see if the tape
sees the tire surface.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
I got a slight problem...any ideas?
Thanks rangerpat. I checked that and it appears OK. Like I said, my mudguard hangs over the upper ball joint a little, and both it and the upper control arm itself (near the ball joint) are clearly worn (blackened by the tire). It appears pretty obvious that the tire has been coming in contact with the joint. But how? For this to happen...it would have to be WAY out of specification, right? Does this mean my ball joints are completely worn out? I really don't have hundreds of dollars to replace the ball joints, but I'm afraid that may be the problem.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 70
From: Elk River, MN
I got a slight problem...any ideas?
Trim the inside rubber flap to lay flatter on the upper control arm, rotate the tires and say a prayer before you hit the road. Take your plastic card andd have a good trip.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
I got a slight problem...any ideas?
I am purchasing new tires soon, so I'll have them check the ball joints while they are changing them. I made it home OK..thanks for the advice.
