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How much ball joint movement is too much?
When I rebuilt my HP30 last winter I installed new Spicer ball joints. After this wheeling season, they seem pretty loose to me, but I'm not sure what is considered normal. I remember Blaine stating on a thread that ball joints can get play in as little as 5000 miles. My rig has less than 2000 since the BJ replacement.
This video is with the wheel off the ground a couple inches and a pry bar lifting up on it from the bottom.
Thoughts?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZCdNLYEUt4
This video is with the wheel off the ground a couple inches and a pry bar lifting up on it from the bottom.
Thoughts?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZCdNLYEUt4
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I am not an expert on ball joints but I do know that the upper will move up and down since it is only a pivot point and does not carry any of the vertical load. The normal method of checking for worn ball joints is to jack up the tire off the ground and grab the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. Then rock the top and bottom in and out. If there is movement in this direction, then you have wear.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by durango-bob
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I am not an expert on ball joints but I do know that the upper will move up and down since it is only a pivot point and does not carry any of the vertical load. The normal method of checking for worn ball joints is to jack up the tire off the ground and grab the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions. Then rock the top and bottom in and out. If there is movement in this direction, then you have wear.
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Wizard of Brakes
Quote:
Originally Posted by biffgnar
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I thought pry bar lifting from the bottom as OP did was the "normal method" of checking ball joint movement.
The uppers are where the lack of control comes from that leads to DW and similar issues.
I am Savvy
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Knowledge does not equal understanding.
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Any side to side movement is bad. Up and down you are aloud a certain amount until recommend replacing. Not sure what the tolerance would be its different for every vehicle
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1ofakind
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Any side to side movement is bad. Up and down you are aloud a certain amount until recommend replacing. Not sure what the tolerance would be its different for every vehicle
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinman
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One my new at the time 96 XJ the service manager said allowable tolerances were .060 up and down.
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I'll recheck the tops then. At first I thought it might be unit bearings so I just bought new ones anyway.
I was just surprised that there would be that much movement after only 2000 miles.
I was just surprised that there would be that much movement after only 2000 miles.
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