I've had a rattling/clunking sound from my front left wheel recently so I jacked up that corner. As soon as the tire elevated off the ground the bottom fell inward. I could easily push the top of the tire inward and pull the bottom of the tire outward. Does this lead to a bad hub or bad ball joint(s)?

 

Almost guaranteed it's a hub. I know that feeling all too well.... Verifying by doing it again and seeing if your ball joints move though first

 

I don't have anyone close to watch the ball joints as I move the tire. I think I'm going to change the hub tonight. Whether or not it's bad, it's probably time to change it anyway.

 

I forgot not everyone has a truck with an eight inch lift and can do both at the same time.

 

If you remove the wheel, you can see in there very well.

 

Last night I jacked up the left side, reached over the tire to put my hand on the upper BJ, and pushed on the tire. Turns out I have a bad BJ and the hub is fine.

 

I changed the left side ball joints and installed a new hub assembly. I have a couple questions:

1) When braking, when i get to about 6-7mph I feel a vibration in the pedal, I hear a whine/groan, and the truck pulls to the right. I assume it's something with ABS. Should I replace the ABS wire?

2) I wasn't exactly sure how to seat the upper ball joint. I set it so that the bottom of the BJ is flush with the knuckle. I could've pressed it in about another 1/8". Should I leave it flush, or should I press it in as far as possible? Or does it matter?

 

i just did my ball joints and all that. i installed the upper ball joints all the way, so it poked out the bottom a little, which matched the other side.....i did all new front end and brakes....now my pedal is a bit stiff when i put my foot on the brake, might be the master....or something.....maybe bleed again. good luck

 

If it's pulling to the right, it probably is the left side not doing it's job properly. Pull the wheel off, inspect the pads for even wear, check the slide pins and make sure they move freely. Grease them while you are there anti-seize or go to the parts store of your choice and get some of that cheap brake parts lube that comes in the one time use packet. Make sure the caliper piston moves and the rubber seal is intact, etc.

 

BJ should be all the way down. With that much movement I would of also thought it was the hub. That happen on mine but right side.

 

Well, this morning my brakes quit acting-up. I'll get back in there and press the BJ all the way down.