front tires cupping?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
front tires cupping?
My mechanic say i need new lower ball joints on the front and that my tires are cupping and ned to be replaced. should i get the ball joints fixed first then replace the tires? or replace then fix the ball joints?
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
Likes: 10
From: RVA
Ball joints first.
If you put new tires on with the bad ball joints, then you're just going to end up cupping your new tires.
That is unless you do new tires, and then within a few days (say less than 1,000 miles) do the new ball joints, then you shouldn't ruin your new tires.
But my vote is still for new ball joints first.
If you put new tires on with the bad ball joints, then you're just going to end up cupping your new tires.
That is unless you do new tires, and then within a few days (say less than 1,000 miles) do the new ball joints, then you shouldn't ruin your new tires.
But my vote is still for new ball joints first.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,459
Likes: 10
From: RVA
Unless your truck is pulling already, then you shouldn't need an alignment after the balljoints. If you feel like it's good peace of mind, then by all means, go ahead and have one done.
Really though, the shop is only taking the drag links and or tie rods (steering parts) up and out and should not be making any left to right adjustments in that regard.
You should be ok without an alignment after new ***** joints.
Really though, the shop is only taking the drag links and or tie rods (steering parts) up and out and should not be making any left to right adjustments in that regard.
You should be ok without an alignment after new ***** joints.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 966
Likes: 1
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
Cheap tires run at high speed can cup also. The tread gets a 'standing wave' distortion that makes the tire wrinkle and squirm. You do a lot of high speed driving?
tom
tom
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
No.I usually drive slower than anyone else.my mechanic told me last week that my ball joints needed replacing.Someone thought my shocks needed to be replace but I can't tell if the shocks are bad.when i push down on the front of the pickup,there's no indication the shocks are bad.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
Test the shocks by picking up the front fenders, lifting in the wheel cutout area, as high as you can. Then let go. The car should go down, and then rise to its normal level without any bobbling up and down after the down, then up action.
I have to ask what is your model year. I have read of problems with the ball joints on the later models, but before I replaced them, I would do the test as specified by Ford. Ball joints have a little sloppiness based on whether they are on the load bearing arm or not.
If you look at Motors Manual or Chiltons, either should give the testing procedure. In one case you support the lower arm, and check for looseness, and in the other case, you just let the whole wheel drop to its lowest position. You then try to move the tire in and out and back and forth. I have had some people test incorrectly and attempt to sell me new ball joints when they were not needed. They were upset when I told them they had done the test incorrectly. The looked in the manual, and found their error, but were too rude and embarrassed being caught making a mistake [costly to me if I didn't catch it] by a 'customer'. They refused to admit that the ball joints were fine.
tom
I have to ask what is your model year. I have read of problems with the ball joints on the later models, but before I replaced them, I would do the test as specified by Ford. Ball joints have a little sloppiness based on whether they are on the load bearing arm or not.
If you look at Motors Manual or Chiltons, either should give the testing procedure. In one case you support the lower arm, and check for looseness, and in the other case, you just let the whole wheel drop to its lowest position. You then try to move the tire in and out and back and forth. I have had some people test incorrectly and attempt to sell me new ball joints when they were not needed. They were upset when I told them they had done the test incorrectly. The looked in the manual, and found their error, but were too rude and embarrassed being caught making a mistake [costly to me if I didn't catch it] by a 'customer'. They refused to admit that the ball joints were fine.
tom
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
From: Horseheads NY
IMO, it wont matter how many new parts you change on the front end, and how many times you get it aligned. You will always still end up with the front tires cupping if you don't rotate your tires every 6 to 8000 miles. 4x4's are the worst when it come to front end tire wear. If the parts are bad, don't put it off. Get it done ASAP. You don't want one coming apart driving down the road. As far as shocks, if there original, it wont hurt to change them. but not necessary before an alignment.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
HokieHiVPI
Excursion - King of SUVs
18
Jul 1, 2013 09:34 AM
gibsonj
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
May 28, 2005 07:56 PM
