Ball Joints?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2007
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Ball Joints?
I have a 2004 F250 and I have noticed a popping sound when I turn to the right, and also a sound when driving that sounds like something is loose on the passenger side. I have looked and don't see anything out of the ordinary, but at first thought it seems like a possible ball joint problem. My question is, I dont have time to take it to the shop and I need to take it on a 500 mile round trip this weekend for opening weekend of deer season. Is it safe to drive and what all, if anything, can I screw up by keep driving it. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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I would jack that wheel off the ground and check the wheel bearing first. I have went through two of them so far on the passenger side. I have not had to change out any ball joints on mine yet but I hear that these front ends do go through them.
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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Ball joints
I had to replace the joints on my 2004 with 58K on it this past month. It took about 4 hours using instructions found on this web site. They were great and detailed. I also have a 2002 F-250 V-10 with only 29K. The passenger ball joints on it are just starting to go.
In both cases, the noise was a annoying squeak when turning the wheels left or right. I never heard a popping noise on either truck.
I think the only thing is that you have to get under the truck and have someone turn the wheel so you can locate exactly where the sound is coming from.
In both cases, the noise was a annoying squeak when turning the wheels left or right. I never heard a popping noise on either truck.
I think the only thing is that you have to get under the truck and have someone turn the wheel so you can locate exactly where the sound is coming from.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
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From: San Diego, CA
My truck doesn't have a popping sound but likes to wander on the road a bit. The steering is loose and I was told that my tie rod ends were getting old. After further investigation it turns out that my ball joints are starting to go on the passenger side. One way to give a 5 second check for a possible ball joint problem is to stand in front of your truck at a distance (maybe 20 or 30 feet) and look at the front tires. Are they vertical? If they seem to have a noticeable negative camber (top of the tire in and bottom of the tire out like a slammed Honda) then you have some ball joint issues. If they seem to be close to vertical it could go either way (something else or very early stages of decline).
Just my .02 from what I've learned.
Just my .02 from what I've learned.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: hamilton
I had to do ball joints in mine.But you need to check the sway bar mounting bushings and the sway bar links its a very commoc problem, that is what actually was making thumping noise in my ft end even on the smallest of bumps.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jul 2005
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I have a 2004 F250 and I have noticed a popping sound when I turn to the right, and also a sound when driving that sounds like something is loose on the passenger side. I have looked and don't see anything out of the ordinary, but at first thought it seems like a possible ball joint problem. My question is, I dont have time to take it to the shop and I need to take it on a 500 mile round trip this weekend for opening weekend of deer season. Is it safe to drive and what all, if anything, can I screw up by keep driving it. Thanks
www.RockAuto.com has ball joints for your truck from Moog and Spicer. Click the following link to go directly to those parts in the catalog RockAuto Parts Catalog
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 145
From: San Diego, CA
Powerstrokeshop has a ball joint kit for $291. I'll be using this when the time comes:
Powerstrokeshop.com
Powerstrokeshop.com
