Ozarks Jeep Thing Club

Public Forums => Technical Forum => Topic started by: Tiff on 11/18/08 - 10:31AM

Title: ball joint test
Post by: Tiff on 11/18/08 - 10:31AM

Does anyone have a good test to try on the front ball joints to spot replacement clues before an actual failure?  How many miles should someone get out of the stock ball joints?

Title: Re: ball joint test
Post by: YJ_Aaron on 11/18/08 - 01:56PM

Miles depends on a lot of factors, the biggest is wheel offset that creates leverage against them.  A 12 or 14" wide wheel is harder on bearings and ball joints then an 8" wheel. 

There are measuring tools for it, however most do the shake test.  Jack vehicle up, and move top and bottom of tire in an out (with hands) to check for slop in bearings or ball joints.  If the tire has movement one of this is loose/failing.  Usually as ball joints get bad the tires will wear uneven and when the test (above) is done you will see movement in the ball joints.

Title: Re: ball joint test
Post by: OJTV8CJ on 11/23/08 - 02:40PM

If you shake it like Aaron is saying (top to bottom) the that is indication of a ball joint issue.  If you shake it horizontally, and there is slop, that is an indication of a tierod or steering issue. 

Normally, you do this with 2 people. One to shake the tire and the other looking to see where the movement is.  Just makes it easier.