Ball Joints How to check
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Ball Joints How to check
Any idvice on the best way and what to look for on ball joints. Just got a call from the alighnment place price went from 59.95 to over 700 bucks. Front tires were wear but i was also due for new shocks which i know bad shocks will eat tires on this truck. So i replaced them this weekend and fiq at 160 k never had an alignment why not.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
To check the ball joints you need to use a floor jack or jack stand under the lower control arm to support the truck. That "unloads" the ball joints. Look closely at the ball joints while someone pushes and pulls the top and bottom of the wheel. If you have more than about 1/32" of sideways movement from any ball joint it should be replaced. Also have someone pry up on the wheel with a pry bar between the ground and the bottom of the tire. If there is more than about 1/32" of up and down play then the joint is shot too.
Ford says, for warranty purposes, that any more than .080" of play the joint is worn out and needs to be replaced. Most techs I know feel that spec is way too much. They are worn out before that.
Ford says, for warranty purposes, that any more than .080" of play the joint is worn out and needs to be replaced. Most techs I know feel that spec is way too much. They are worn out before that.
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