Bad Ball Joints?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Bad Ball Joints?
I took my truck on a road trip this weekend and noticed that a small "clunk" when stopping was back and worse than ever. Not always but often, when coming to a complete stop at about 15-20 mph there is a good clunk. I had it before and changed out the sway bar bushings to new Energy bushings. I hadn't heard it in a while but I haven't been driving it very often.
On a side note that might not be related, I also have a small
clunk when accelerating from a complete stop. If I baby it off the line I don't here it.
In the past year I changed both front hubs. And in the last 2 months all the brakes, new front rotors and Bilstien shocks all the way around.
I am thinking that this means the ball joints are bad but I don't remember an play in the wheels when it was off the ground when I was changing shocks and brakes.
What else should I check and what is the best way to check them?
On a side note that might not be related, I also have a small
clunk when accelerating from a complete stop. If I baby it off the line I don't here it.
In the past year I changed both front hubs. And in the last 2 months all the brakes, new front rotors and Bilstien shocks all the way around.
I am thinking that this means the ball joints are bad but I don't remember an play in the wheels when it was off the ground when I was changing shocks and brakes.
What else should I check and what is the best way to check them?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
You sure the clunk is from the front? Usually a clunk as you are slowing down and another at takeoff is typically the slip yoke on the driveshaft.
But as for checking ball joints, lifting the front and checking for wheel play is the way to go. If you get wobble in any wheel, check to see if the ball joint is moving. If it's not moving, then it's probably the wheel bearing.
But as for checking ball joints, lifting the front and checking for wheel play is the way to go. If you get wobble in any wheel, check to see if the ball joint is moving. If it's not moving, then it's probably the wheel bearing.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
I think the clunk is from the front. Is the slip yoke the same as the slip joint? If not do you have a link/directions for for greasing? Greasing the slip joint was on my list of to-dos this week and I have directions for this.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
Slip joint greasing
I meant slip joint, fumble fingered it. If you are sure the clunk is up front, don't rule out the sway bar bushings.
I meant slip joint, fumble fingered it. If you are sure the clunk is up front, don't rule out the sway bar bushings.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
I already changed out the sway bar bushings a couple months ago to new Energy Suspension bushings. I need to retorque them but I don't think they are the problem but I will double check them. Can a dry slip joint really cause that much noise?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,287
Likes: 6
From: BLT, MN
New balljoints on the drivers side fixed my clunk. The exact samescenario you have. Clunked both starting and stopping most of the time.
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
The dry slip joint can actually get to the point where it feels like someone is lightly kicking you in the butt when you take off. Some folks have gone as far as installing a zerk fitting and periodically pumping a shot of grease into the slip joint to keep things lubed well.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Westford, MA
If anyone needs to replace their ball joints here's a link to them on our site.
Ford Truck Ball Joints
Ford Truck Ball Joints
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: Lynnwood, WA
here is an excellent write up which includes the process for making the special tool to install new seals. I found this very helpful. Includes part numbers and everything.
http://www.superdutypsd.com/ball_joint_article.php
http://www.superdutypsd.com/ball_joint_article.php
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