Ball joints again!
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
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Ball joints again!
How long do they last? My 03 250 FX4 has developed a bad shake when the brakes are applied. The steering wheel moves back and forth about 1/2". Is it the ball joints, or do I just need to put new rotors/pads on? I put a dial indicator on the rotor and it looked like it was runing true. So now what? Truck has 49,000 on it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Itinerant
If you are applying brakes and it shaking the steering wheel it sounds like wrapped rotors. Put the truck in the air and go over the entire front end. Look and move everything with your hands to see if there is excessive play in any thing.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
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If it only does it when you apply the brakes... I would think rotors. Do you feel the pulsation in the brake pedal??? If so... you need to get your rotors machined and if the pads are worn out.. replace them too.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 84
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From: New Bern, NC
I'd bet it's your rotors too and you can have them turned but it will shortly return unless you get some more aggressive brake pads. VERY common problem with the superdutys and people that don't tow or haul heavy often enough. I am having the same problem with mine. Having them turned will not take out enough material to get rid of the hard spot on your rotors. You'll probably need to replace them! Oddly enough, you're probably not hard enough on your brakes to keep your rotors true! Get a good set of aftermarket rotors and pads. Lots of people like the cryo treated Power Slot rotors and I'll probably go with those myself.
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i would consider having the rotors turned B4 replaceing BJ's again B/C this only happens at braking
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
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Ok, sounds like I have bad rotors. What kind of rotors should I use? I looked at hawk pads, but they have several different kinds for the SD. What else needs to be done to the front end of this truck? Just about ready to turn 50,xxx miles. Should I regrease the front bearings? Thansk!
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: New Bern, NC
I am going with the power slot cryos, they have been getting great reviews from other superduty owners. The LTS type Hawk pads are widely recommended unless you tow heavy and a lot, then you'd want the "super duty" type.
I have 85k miles on my truck and I have yet to do the bearings. I have done nothing but I've put it off long enough!
I have 85k miles on my truck and I have yet to do the bearings. I have done nothing but I've put it off long enough!