Question about front end play
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: S.W. Oregon
Question about front end play
At the dealers today, it was noted that my 01 has some "front end play". This was noted by someone doing unrelated work and it was suggested I take it back to have their alignment dept. look at it.
I am not a tech repair person and always pay others to do the work, but I at least like to know what is being discussed. Can anyone tell me what front end play is and what it might be a result of?
The truck has only 32,000 miles and drives and steers the same as it always has.
Thanks!
I am not a tech repair person and always pay others to do the work, but I at least like to know what is being discussed. Can anyone tell me what front end play is and what it might be a result of?
The truck has only 32,000 miles and drives and steers the same as it always has.
Thanks!
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: S.W. Oregon
Well the diagnosis is right and left ball joints have play. Tires have normal wear. Also the tie rod end needs to be replaced. Quote is $530.00!
Is this to be expected at 32,000 miles?
Is this to be expected at 32,000 miles?
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
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From: Houston/Hope BC
Personally, I'd get a second opinion. NTB does free alignment diagnosis inspections. I always ask to get to watch and talk to the MAN and get them to explain what they find and demonstrate it me, did this happen at your dealer?
IMO, 32K to failure is not reasonable unless perhaps its been underwater.
IMO, 32K to failure is not reasonable unless perhaps its been underwater.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: S.W. Oregon
Thanks for the input. I did take it to Les Schwab for another opinion. They found some play in the tie rod end and "minor" play in the ball joints. They actually let me into the pit to see what they found. They said that it is not a safety issue as it is so small, but the specs are for "no play". As there is not any unusual wear on the tires from it, they said I could wait until I get the snow tires put on in November to have it checked again to see if it gets any worse. That will be about 3 or 4,000 miles. The tie rod end is not too expensive to get fixed. The ball joints have a lot of labor charge. Part itself is inexpensive. Sometimes I wish I was truck mechanically inclined. Funny since I can fix or build anything that has to do with a house, but have never worked on cars or trucks.
btw - It has never been under water. Only normal snow and rain from the roads and the occasional puddle spash on a dirt road while in 4WD.
btw - It has never been under water. Only normal snow and rain from the roads and the occasional puddle spash on a dirt road while in 4WD.
Last edited by Shepard; Aug 4, 2005 at 11:28 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Northern Indiana
This is definitely not normal for 32k miles. Even if you never greased it they should last 2 to 3 times that long. One quick and easy way to check for front end play is to jack up one front wheel and grab it. See if you can rock it in any direction. It shouldn't have any play at all. If tie rod ends need replaced then you should feel some play.
If those parts really are bad, then the price you got is pretty good. It would also include alignment which adds to the overall bill.
For a repair like that, don't use a dealer. Find a good local shop to do it. It'll be cheaper and done better.
If those parts really are bad, then the price you got is pretty good. It would also include alignment which adds to the overall bill.
For a repair like that, don't use a dealer. Find a good local shop to do it. It'll be cheaper and done better.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: S.W. Oregon
Yes Goofy, I actually mistyped the quote from the dealer. It was 6, not a 5. (630.00) Les Schwab was closer to 500.00. There was definitely play that I could see in the tie rod end and on one ball joint. the other ball joint, he said he could feel the play, but it was less and I did not see it. What he said was that there should be no play, but that what I had was not bad to the point that they said get it fixed now.
