Ball Joint Test
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Ball Joint Test
96 FESport, 4wd, 4.0, 108,000miles
Hi, I've read a lot on this forum about ball joints. I recently had new tires installed and wanted an alignment but the mechanic said my "lower ball joints are very loose and that there is some play in the uppers" so he wouldn't do the alignment. Well, I'd rather install them myselff to save some $$$. Anyway, I know the "push and pull" test which I've just done and I can't feel any play. How obvious would it be? Any other tips? Perhaps the mechanic was trying to make an extra buck (albeit I do have 108,000 miles and I'd imagine they should be replaced). What are the implications of NOT replacing them?
As always, any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Hi, I've read a lot on this forum about ball joints. I recently had new tires installed and wanted an alignment but the mechanic said my "lower ball joints are very loose and that there is some play in the uppers" so he wouldn't do the alignment. Well, I'd rather install them myselff to save some $$$. Anyway, I know the "push and pull" test which I've just done and I can't feel any play. How obvious would it be? Any other tips? Perhaps the mechanic was trying to make an extra buck (albeit I do have 108,000 miles and I'd imagine they should be replaced). What are the implications of NOT replacing them?
As always, any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltimore
I'm not sure the mechanic was trying for extra $$ if he still refused to do the alignment. If the ball joint goes completely out while driving, you will lose steering and it can be very dangerous. I just had upper and lowers done on my '95(149K miles), and it cost $900 including alignment. On the 95s, apparently when they do the uppers, they have to replace the control arm as well, thus the high cost. Good luck!
Mike
Mike
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Pittsburgh
Yeah, the guy's refusing to take your money because the alignment would not hold-up and you think he's riping you off, lol.
If the ball joint comes apart while driving, say over a bump, the result isn't pretty. As to the ball joints, you'd look for ripped seals, looseness, and movement in the wheel holding it in the 12 o'clock/6 o'clock positions (with the tire/wheel off the ground).
The UCAs run about $100 a piece. You would replace the entire arm, which gets you new ball joints and bushings. For the LCAs, you can replace just the ball joints and bushings, which you can order separately. You'd probably need to have a shop press those joints and bushings in. Then get the alignment.
If the ball joint comes apart while driving, say over a bump, the result isn't pretty. As to the ball joints, you'd look for ripped seals, looseness, and movement in the wheel holding it in the 12 o'clock/6 o'clock positions (with the tire/wheel off the ground).
The UCAs run about $100 a piece. You would replace the entire arm, which gets you new ball joints and bushings. For the LCAs, you can replace just the ball joints and bushings, which you can order separately. You'd probably need to have a shop press those joints and bushings in. Then get the alignment.
Last edited by viiidude; Jan 8, 2005 at 04:53 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Caledonia, Ontario
The best way to test the ball joints is to lift the front end up so the tires are a couple inches off of the pavement. Put a bar under the tire and lift, there should be no clunks or movement. Anything more than 1/8" and they are not supposed to do the alignment. If nessacary have someone watch the ball joints for movement. Good luck.
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Ya, I don't think he's ripping me off (although I trust some mechanics like I trust Saddam), I just tried moving the ball joints (pushing/pulling at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock) and it wouldn't budge. Solid as a rock! So I'm wondering how obvious the movement would be? I put a lot of uumph and even used my legs and nothing atleast nothing very noticible. So I'm wondering if they "really" need to be replaced. Maybe I'll use a bar and have someone watch. Thanks.
Last edited by mightypizu; Jan 8, 2005 at 09:24 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
You might be expecting a lot of movement when the actual movement will be very slight...so you can push and pull like a mad man it won't test the bj. This isn't a case where more power/strength is better. I agree to the pry bar test and you may only experience a 1/2 in movement, but keep in mind thats a lot of movement for a ball joint. There are several threads on how to change both upper and lower ball joints on this site. 
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