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bad ball joint symptoms?
i just recently had my tranny die in my chevy 4x4 truck. during the repairs, the mechanic noticed my lower ball joints were worn, and noted it on my receipt. he knew i did some DIY work and suggested i tackle the project myself. i dont want to follow blindly. the balljoints "look" ok, altho i dont know what a bad one looks like. steering feels fine. front end chatters like a mothereffer. is that my only symptom? i heard that a bad ball joint make zero noise. i just dont want to dive in, if i dont have to.
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12-21-2006, 08:30 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Tucson AZ USA
Posts: 8,228
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Any good repair manual will showyou how to use a fairly big screwdriver to determine wear on the ball joint. Ball joints do nto show external "wear" easily. A relatively easy fix. Recommend a Haynes manual.
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Bob S. former owner of a 1984 silver 944 |
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12-21-2006, 08:39 AM
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Location: South of Heaven
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A ball joint typically will not 'look bad', but will demonstrate an excessive amount of play. This is tested with a good sized pry-bar or other appropriate lever.
As MG says, get yourself a manual, and the specific procedure for your twuck will be in there. Good luck, and use jack stands! 
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12-21-2006, 08:43 AM
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Location: Tucson AZ USA
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My God...Yes!!
Make certain you follow safe jacking procedures. Having a truck land on your chest can ruin an otherwise nice day.
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Bob S. former owner of a 1984 silver 944 |
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12-21-2006, 08:49 AM
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undervalued member
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sure its not your ball bag?
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78SC PRC Spec911 (sold 12/15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7I6HCCKrVQ Now gone: 03 996TT/75 slicklid 3.oL carb'd hotrod 15 Rubicon JK/07.5 LMM Duramax 4x/86 Ski Nautique Correct Craft |
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12-21-2006, 12:42 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Lacey, WA. USA
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Raise the vehicle and put a jack under the suspension in such a way that it takes any existing stress off the ball joint. That way you can tell more easily whether it has play. The amount of play it should have is zero.
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Man of Carbon Fiber (stronger than steel) Mocha 1978 911SC. "Coco" |
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12-21-2006, 12:48 PM
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Quote:
 thanks for all the other advice!
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poof! gone Last edited by vash; 12-21-2006 at 01:35 PM.. |
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12-21-2006, 01:33 PM
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canna change law physics
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When making a turn, if there is excessive play, you will hear a "clunk" as the joint makes contact.
For American Iron, usually you need a pickle fork to slplit the joint. On the 914's and 911's, you need prayer, luck, large blood sacrifices, an expensive tool, several curse words (preferably in German), a breaker bar, a 5 foot pipe extension for the breaker bar, a Mapp Gas Torch and, when all else fails, a diegrinder to cut the friggen thing off.
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James The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the engineer adjusts the sails.- William Arthur Ward (1921-1994) Red-beard for President, 2020 Last edited by red-beard; 12-22-2006 at 01:32 PM.. |
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12-22-2006, 01:29 PM
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thanks for the words....i am diving into this american project this weekend.
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01-11-2007, 09:55 AM
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the 23 car
domino
1970/1982 Porsche 914-6/911SC 2.7 RS
