How tight should the balljoints be?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 119
How tight should the balljoints be?
I've got my suspension about 2/3 taken apart to do a coilover swap. Once I got the upper A arms off, I noticed all the balljoints seemed really loose. I'm not talking torque on the nuts, they just felt way easier to move by hand than good balljoints I've handled before. Boots were all intact, and I couldn't detect any play, but it just felt strange. FWIW, I've only ever handled fully shot to hell wallered out balljoints, and brand new virgin in the box ones, so I'm not entirely sure what to expect of old but still good ones.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,306
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You should get at least a little resistance when trying to move them. If there's NO resistance, it probably won't be long before they'll develop play. Gonna be a judgment call on your part if it's worth it to replace them "while you're in there" or if it's easy enough wait to do later when they're actually needed.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,036
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That's what I was thinking. Maybe the extra leverage of moving them around by the A arms made a bigger difference than I expected? Either way, wouldn't be surprised if they're on the way out. 3/4 tie rod ends were at various degrees of shot, and the boot is looking a little crunchy on the last on, so it's on borrowed time I'm sure.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 331
Likes: 74
From: Florida
I went through this same judgement call a month ago. I think it is normal, as long as there is no crazy sounds or roughness that you feel. If it's loose but smooth, that's okay. Surely new ones will be tighter, but after 1000 or 2 miles, they will feel the same as the old ones. Another great way to test this is get a huge pry bar. With the wheel barely off the ground, pry between the wheel and ground. It's easier with two people, but either way, you will see if there is any abnormal movement in the upper or lower ball joints! I haven't read about ball joint failures on these cars. My last car was known to have them though, sending the wheel(s) through the fender(s).
Last edited by 02torchred; Mar 21, 2020 at 05:24 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 119
I think I'll just keep an eye on them when I'm doing oil changes. The state of the tie rod boots vs these leads me to believe the ball joints may have already been changed before. I can't say I've ever noticed any of the classic ball joint symptoms or felt any play when checking for it.
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