Ball Joints Need Replaced Already

[JoelMartin]

My truck has 61,600 miles and I'm replacing the ball joints. Anyone else have to replace their's so soon?

 

[SRubenstein]

I had lateral play on mine at 20k, took it back to the dealer and they said that they measure the play i and out not up and down. I actually did find the specs in alldata that varified this is what the manufacturer uses to distinguish good from bad. I left them that way for another 55k until my front wheel joints "BLEW" apart and did the full boat (bearings, backing plates, wheel joints, and ball joints). I don't know if you're planning on doing them yourself but it is definately not a backyard job. I'm a professional mechanic and have a lot of experience with these front ends. The hub bearings are always frozen in place. I've broken some expensive tools getting these out. Good luck!!

 

[RobertRichards]

Mine went at 108K

 

[Bob4x4]

My truck has 61,600 miles and I'm replacing the ball joints. Anyone else have to replace their's so soon?

You are not alone do a search on the subject... ... ..... you"ll have tons of reading



Bob

 

[BHolm]

I did mine at 72k on my current '06, about the same on the '03 QC. The rest of them I either didn't keep that long or in the case of the dually, it was hooked to a heavy gooseneck 95% of the time and maybe that takes some weight off the front. I am pretty sure the cause is a really heavy engine on an axle that is probably just a little too light duty

 

[Mobius1]

I'm on my 3rd set ot 55k :{

 

[JCasper]

I need to check mine again.



They were OK at 35K, I have 76K now and haven't really checked them.



What are the signs they are going bad?

 

[Bob4x4]

I need to check mine again.



They were OK at 35K, I have 76K now and haven't really checked them.



What are the signs they are going bad?

Take the weight off the wheels and check for play

 

[JCasper]

Take the weight off the wheels and check for play

Up and down play, correct?

 

[JoelMartin]

I had lateral play on mine at 20k, took it back to the dealer and they said that they measure the play i and out not up and down. I actually did find the specs in alldata that varified this is what the manufacturer uses to distinguish good from bad. I left them that way for another 55k until my front wheel joints "BLEW" apart and did the full boat (bearings, backing plates, wheel joints, and ball joints). I don't know if you're planning on doing them yourself but it is definately not a backyard job. I'm a professional mechanic and have a lot of experience with these front ends. The hub bearings are always frozen in place. I've broken some expensive tools getting these out. Good luck!!

Mine mostly had lateral play to and sometimes I could here them clunk when going over uneven ground. I'm a mechanic by trade also so I changed them today. Haven't taken it for a test drive yet so we'll see how they do. Do you think I should change my wheel bearings and joints too?

 

[Mobius1]

Take the front end off the ground, Take a pry bar and pry up on the ball joints. Any play at all and they are wiped. Also while going over bumps, you may hear a clunking noise.



Steering may become a little sloppy also

 

[KEpperly]

my old 04 went at 30,500. and you knew it when driving it

 

[Bob4x4]

A bit more real world testing (Baja included) and these guys should fill the bill



#ad




Bob

 

[ToddK]

Just had the front end looked at on my 06 4wd. Shop says both hubs are shot. 81k mostly unloaded. Luckily when I bought the truck there was a 300. 00 rebate or 100k drivetrain warranty. I took the latter. It seems as though Dodge has the engine right for a heavy (light) duty truck. I just wish they could put together the rest of the truck in the same manner. I'm sure the other 2 have their issues as well. After spending 40k I would like it to be a while before I have to start throwing money at it(unless it is something I want!!!!)Sorry, didn't mean to change the subject, but it is close.

 

[TCDiesel]

I would check to make sure those Hubs are covered, their not in the 7/70 Powertrain warranty.

 

[RobertRichards]

Bob4x4 what is the name ball joints you have a picture of?

 

[Bob4x4]

They are being developed by Carli suspension. The final revision is being brutally tested by a small fleet of users now they have survived many Baja Torture tests as well as the day to day tortures our trucks are known for.



Bob

 

[SRubenstein]

Take the front end off the ground, Take a pry bar and pry up on the ball joints. Any play at all and they are wiped. Also while going over bumps, you may hear a clunking noise.



Steering may become a little sloppy also

I agree by trade, however not according to Dodge. Alldata describes the proper way to measure the amount of play is in and out. I'll have to look up the exact details as published by Dodge. I don't agree with it, however it gives them an out from covering it. I'm sure my 35" Toyo MT's didnt help to sway there decision not to cover them, lol.



As far as replacing the bearings, well if you can get them out without whaling on them, or heating them, or cutting them, you're one of the few. Just make sure you put some never seize on them before you reinstall.

 

[agkrueger]

Well @25,000 my truck just failed inspection due to right side having almost an 1/8" of play vertically. Left side still tight. Called dealer and of course they said sorry its out of warranty. I need some ammunition to go toe to toe with them, when I search for posts on this subject I cant find anything. Can anybody direct me to the original post?

 

[BBoling]

Mine were replaced under warranty at 30K. See sig, the wheels/tires and camper prolly didn't help. One more replacement planned under my extended warranty.