The way to determine if you have play in the ball joints is to jack one side at a time under a control arm. You need to support the control arm instead of the truck itself so it unloads the pressure on the ball joints. Once you have the control arm jacked up and tire off the ground- use an up/down movement on the top and bottom of the tire.
How do I know if my Dodge Ram has bad ball joints?
This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2002-present). If you have any kind of play at all between the upper or lower control arms and the linkages where the ball joints sit against the knuckle, then you have bad ball joints.
How do you check for a loaded lower ball joint?
To check a loaded lower ball joint, the manufacturer will recommend that you place a jack under the lower control arm of the front wheel, as close to the ball joint as you can, then raise the vehicle until the wheel leaves the ground.
How do you remove the ball joint on a Chevy Silverado?
Loosen the retaining nut on the upper ball joint until it is almost to the end of that bolt. Leave it just on the end of the bolt. Do the same for the lower ball joint. You will need to remove the cotter pin first before you can start to loosen that nut. Break free the upper and lower ball joints using a pickle fork.
How do you fix a loose ball joint on a Ford Ranger?
Replace the dust boot over the lower ball joint. Replace the steering knuckle over the upper and lower ball joints and torque them to proper specifications. Reinstall the cotter pin into the lower ball joint bolt.
How can I test my ball joints at home?
A visual and physical inspection has the following steps:Check your tyre wear. ... Loosen the lug nuts. ... Jack up the car and place wheel chocks behind the wheels. ... Rock the tyre on its axis. ... Remove the wheel. ... Pry the ball joint apart. ... Put the wheel back on. ... Repeat with the other wheels.
How do I know I have bad ball joints?
1:322:53How to Check if a Ball Joint is Bad - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn a ball joint. So when you're doing your test with the tire on you'll feel this clunking. AlsoMoreIn a ball joint. So when you're doing your test with the tire on you'll feel this clunking. Also when you're driving you might even feel or hear this clunking. From this moving up and down.
How do I know if my ball joints are bad on my truck?
4 Signs Your Vehicle Needs The Ball Joints ReplacedClunking, Rattling Noise.Loose, Wandering Steering Feel. ... Harsh Cabin Vibrations. ... Uneven Wear On Front Tires. A loose ball joint in the front suspension will introduce some "play" that allows one of the front wheels to come out of alignment with the other. ...
How do you check for new ball joints?
To check a ball joint for axial (vertical) play, leave your vehicle on stands and place a pry bar or 2x4 under the tire and gently lever the wheel up and down. If the ball joint displays a lot of movement then you are likely outside of the manufacturer's specs and the ball joint needs to be replaced.
How do you tell if it's a bad wheel bearing or ball joint?
1:338:12Worn Ball Joints or Wheel Bearings How to check for each - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr it could be a ball joint. So let's take a look so quick and easy way to tell or to narrow it downMoreOr it could be a ball joint. So let's take a look so quick and easy way to tell or to narrow it down is if i move the tire. Left to right like this it would be steering.
How long do ball joints last on a truck?
How long should ball joints last on a truck? Typically, ball joints are expected to last 70,000 to 150,000 miles worth driving.
Which ball joints wear out first?
The lower ball joint usually takes the biggest hits and wears out first. Not only does it need to handle the load of the vehicle, but it also absorbs the shocks of potholes and other bone-jarring road hazards.
Do you need a alignment after replacing ball joints?
Whether you're replacing your ball joints or any other part of your steering or suspension system, it's not mandatory but always a good idea to get an alignment afterwards.
What happens when ball joints fail?
A broken ball joint may be the cause of a mysterious clunking noise or drifting steering. And once they're worn, they will seriously affect your steering and suspension. If a ball joint fails completely, it can even result in the wheel dramatically falling off the car.
How are car ball joints checked?
To check the ball joints in a vehicle with short long arm suspension, look under the car to see if you can find a wear indicator on the bottom of the steering knuckle. If the fitting is protruding, the ball joints should be fine.
What does a worn ball joint sound like?
Sound — Usually the first indication of worn or loose ball joints will be a faint, intermittent clunking noise that seems to be coming from a corner of your vehicle. The sound may be more pronounced when going over a bump or a dip or when going around a corner.
How much play is acceptable in a ball joint?
The old rule of thumb that ball joints with more than . 050 inches of play are worn does NOT hold true for all vehicles. Some ball joints should have NO visible play while others can handle up to . 250 inch or more of play and still be considered okay.
How to check if a ball joint is loaded?
To check a loaded lower ball joint, the manufacturer will recommend that you place a jack under the lower control arm of the front wheel, as close to the ball joint as you can, then raise the vehicle until the wheel leaves the ground.
What happens if you don't check the ball joint?
If you don't do this, tension will still be on the ball joint when you jack up the car, making it difficult to move and look for play on the joint. Make sure there is no compression in the suspension when you check the ball joint.
How to tell if a car is worn?
1. Look for a wear indicator. While the vehicle is still on the ground, look underneath the car, on the bottom of the steering knuckle attached to the wheel. The most common indicator is a grease fitting that doubles as a wear indicator.
Why does my steering wheel bind?
If it tightens up, the steering will bind so you can have a stiff spot as you turn the steering wheel. There may be a binding or squeaking sound in addition to the stiff spot. Fortunately, you can quickly and easily check your ball joints for excessive wear before you experience severe steering or suspension problems . Steps.
Where to place dial indicator on steering wheel?
Move dial indicator to the side of the nut or to the side of the spindle and move the wheel in and out to check radial wear. For vertical play, place the dial indicator against the steering knuckle stud nut or the ball joint housing, depending on the manufacturer.
What does a ball joint do?
The ball joints allow the suspension of your vehicle to move up and down, while at the same time allow the wheels to turn left and right. Over time, a car’s ball joints may wear down. If a ball joint starts to loosen, you’ll hear clunking sounds from the front as the joint rattles in the socket.
Do you need to replace a ball joint?
As it wears the boss will recede into the housing. As long as the boss protrudes out, the joint should be fine. Once the boss is flush with the housing or has receded even further, you’ll need to replace the ball joint. This applies to older cars. Most new cars do not have wear indicators, or a grease fitting.
How to remove cotter pin from steering knuckle?
You will need to remove the cotter pin first before you can start to loosen that nut. Break free the upper and lower ball joints using a pickle fork. Remove both of the nuts. Remove the steering knuckle.
Where should the zerk fitting be on a truck?
Make sure that you are installing them in the correct position. On the lower joint, the zerk fitting should point toward the front of your truck. Re-install that snap ring on the lower ball joint. The upper ball joint is considerably more difficult to install. Be careful when using the press.
How to jack up a truck?
Step 1 – Jack up your truck. Make sure that you are using the manufacturer's jacking location and jack stand locations. Use variable height jack stands because you will want to have the working side about three inches higher than the non working side. This will prevent any differential fluid from pouring out.
Is it cheaper to replace ball joints?
Changing your ball joints out is not a cheap job for use of a professional. You can save a ton of money by doing the replacement yourself, and it's not too difficult. You will just need to give yourself plenty of time. You will also need to take your truck to have it realigned after you replace these joints.
Can a busted ball joint cause uneven wear?
If you're unsure how to inspect or check this, don't worry; busted ball joints will make your suspension sound "broken" and the steering feel will notably change for the worse. They will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Bad ball joints will cause uneven wear on your tires and premature replacement.
