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 When is a ball joint "bad"
#527153
11/17/04 04:14 AM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 785
OP
Rock Warrior
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Took a lower ball joint to Orielly's (parts store) to look for a new dust boot, and the guy said it was bad, and should be replaced...
it can be moved around easily, and feels smooth.
My truck showed no symptoms of bad ball joints before tearing in to replace the cv boot.
I have never had any experience with ball joints, and have spent a ton on these cv boots considering the other stuff I have had to buy to do them.
TIA,
Norm
87 raider 2.6
5-speed manual
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: Movinfr8]
#527154
11/17/04 04:31 AM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,892
Web Wheeler
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Excellent question...our '95 is about due for some new front end parts...but I wasn't sure WHICH parts need done right now, and which can wait.
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: Movinfr8]
#527155
11/17/04 05:11 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 927
Rock Warrior
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hey Norm,
does it move easily when its on the rig?? If its off, with no boot on it, it will move easier then one with a boot and grease on, its designed to do that. With the joint on the unit jack up the side in question and shake the tire watching the ball joint. If it has a lot of play replace it. Look in a speed shop for energy suspension boots that fit, I think it is the same PN as the mid 80's F250.
Gord
always working
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: Macka]
#527156
11/17/04 05:29 AM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 9,781
Mitsubishi Forum Moderator
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There are actually a whole slew of test in the factory manual to test them if I remember correctly. One measured the amount of force it took to spin the ball joint and so on. I am sorry this is so vague, my manual is in my truck, on the other side of campus. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
DougH
1997 SR - Current Lawn Ornament
1995 SR - RIP
1993 RS - RIP
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: DougH]
#527157
11/17/04 05:44 AM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 785
OP
Rock Warrior
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Yep, I remember one test in the Haynes manual (ya get what ya pay for!) and it said something about 30 inch pounds of force to spin it, I think. I could probably blow real hard on mine and spin it, so I guess I'll replace it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Well, at least I'll know it has a nice new set!
Thanks guys,
Norm
87 raider 2.6
5-speed manual
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: Movinfr8]
#527158
11/17/04 03:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,649
Web Wheeler
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Compress the stud into the ball housing with a pair of channel locks or c clamp and measure the length from the tip of the stud to the bottom of the base. Then remove the compression (there's a spring under the ball) and measure the length again. If you get more that 1/16th of slop in the joint, replace it.
Not responsible for advice not taken...
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: fasteddy]
#527159
11/17/04 04:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,494
Body Damage is Cool
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Don't know about the 1/16 inch but fasteddy has the right answer. It is the up and down play that is critical. I had a Dodge with 3/32 play from the factory. The stealer said I had 0.10" play and wanted to replace it. DUH.
Bob Shaw
87 Raizer, 4.3V6, Mod TH700R4,231CHD, detroit rear and LSD front, bouncy seats, 2" lift and 32x15 BFG MT tires.
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: Movinfr8]
#527160
11/17/04 04:58 PM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,494
Body Damage is Cool
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How hard are the upper ball joints to remove and replace. Are they pressed in? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Bob Shaw
87 Raizer, 4.3V6, Mod TH700R4,231CHD, detroit rear and LSD front, bouncy seats, 2" lift and 32x15 BFG MT tires.
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: BobShaw]
#527161
11/18/04 03:00 AM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,649
Web Wheeler
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The factory manual shows pressing them out with a "special tool". The "tool" looks like a c clamp on steroids. Looks like a vise and a fat socket or pipe would do the trick, both in and out, and there's a snap ring to hold it in after you press it. Mark the arm at the mating mark on the old ball joint (center of the a arm), and align the new joint's mark with your mark.
Not responsible for advice not taken...
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Re: When is a ball joint "bad"
[Re: fasteddy]
#527162
11/18/04 02:38 PM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 785
OP
Rock Warrior
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My uppers just unbolt.
The lower has just the tiniest amount of up and down play, I'd guess a couple of thousandths.
Norm
87 raider 2.6
5-speed manual
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