Testing Balljoints
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,304
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
Testing Balljoints
Can someone tell me the procedure for testing my balljoints? Do you jack it up so the pressure is off or on the balljoints? How much movement would I likely see? Can I do this myself or do I need a helper?
Sorry about all the questions guys and gals.
Sorry about all the questions guys and gals.
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 0
From: Marble Falls, Tx.
I have always been told to jack up one side of the front end about 3" off the ground then put a 2x4 under the wheel and pry up and see if you get any movement you should have no up and down play at all.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,304
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
I jacked it up on the axle and could not get the passenger side to move at all. Unfortunately the lower drivers side moved a fair amount. And I am getting a clunk under braking and also under acceleration so I think I found my culprit. It felt like the clunk was coming from the drivers side too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Doesn't have to be 3" up. I lay the 2x4 parallel with the tire and place a long pry bar across it and under the tire. The 2x4 acts as a fulcrum and gives you leverage to pry the wheel up and down. If you see slop in the ball joints while doing this, it's time for new ones.
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 2
From: Liberty Lake, WA
Another sign your balljoints are going out is that you have tire wear on the inside of your tires.
I was having the same clunking noises, even after doing ball joints. I replaced the sway bar bushings in the front and the noise was gone.
I was having the same clunking noises, even after doing ball joints. I replaced the sway bar bushings in the front and the noise was gone.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,304
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
I will see what the balljoint replacement does first then go from there. Thanks for the input. MOney only goes so far these days it seems. lol
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Elder User
Joined: May 2008
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From: Liberty Lake, WA
Energy suspension bushing kits are about $40 too
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,304
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
I appreciate that Dale. Not sure exactly when I will do this but it needs to be soon I think. Not sure how bad is bad so I do not want to push it. We may need to do a mini G2G. Mike (Ford79) offered his help also and has all the tools. Maybe we could load up and head to his place (just across the border in WI). I will keep you posted.
