Ball Joints

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Jan 13, 2004 | 08:17 PM

Tptoe

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 35

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Ball Joints

The dealer said that my ball joints were bad after 73,000 miles on 98 exp. This is what dealer replaced:

4 ball joints
both upper control arms
Arm bushings, right and left
Outer and Inner Tie Rods ( both sides)
Tie rod links and other small stuff

I dont mind having the work done. The front end was making a lot of noise when I was turning the steering wheel and when going over bumps too.

My question is can the ball joints be lubed ? Maybe that is why they went bad? I bought the truck used so I am not sure of its matainance schedule.

Thanks

Jan 13, 2004 | 11:01 PM

MisterCMK

Fleet Owner

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 24,724

Likes: 74

From: Blue Hill Township

If there is a little thing on top called a zerk fitting, then it can, otherwise it is lubed for life again, or 73,000 miles in your case.

Jan 14, 2004 | 12:00 AM

buzzard

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,960

Likes: 5

From: All over Texas

Ouch, I'd hate to see that total.

I had my lower bj's replaced not too long ago (under warranty) and the shop used aftermarket parts that do have zerks. You'll know right away if yours have the fittings by looking underneath the front end.

Jan 14, 2004 | 09:18 AM

MrBSS

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 1,673

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From: Chicago Area

Hate to cause trouble, but doesn't it seem unlikely that ALL those parts were worn at only 73,000 miles?

I have 67K on mine and was also concerned over the lack of grease fittings. Everything still seems very tight though. I guess I should have a "pro" check it, but it's got to be somebody who won't put a sales job on me!

Jan 14, 2004 | 11:07 AM

FarmLaw

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 327

Likes: 1

From: Midwest

I wouldn't be surprised if the upper control arms aren't unitized...as in you can't replace the upper ball joints alone--they're welded/riveted/somehow secured in the upper control arms. This would require upper ball joint and control arm replacement...and if you replace the control arm at 73K, you should replace the bushings as well. The lower ball joints were replaced by themselves, which I'd expect.

As for the tie rods/ends/etc., after the ball joint replacement they probably wanted to do an alignment and found some/most parts were seized up. Not all that uncommon...but they could've been ripping you.

As for having a "pro" check it, for the most part, 99% of ball joint and tie rod problems can be found with a simple test. Jack up one front wheel on the truck and grab the tire at the top and bottom. Shake vigorously. Any play? Now grab on the left and right side. Shake vigorously. Any play? If there is play, it is either in the control arm or A arm bushings, the ball joints, the tie rod ends, the wheel bearings, or (yikes) the studs/lug nuts holding the wheel on. If you find play, have someone else shake while you watch for movement.