Ball joint is junk!

[Tagalong]

Folks, can you believe this? My Odo. just hit 3,080 miles and I developed the worst metal to metal rubbing sound coming from the front end I've ever heard! I thought it was coming from the upper or lower A-frame bushings... would you believe it's the left lower ball joint! Yup! DRY and no grease zerks!!! #ad
Oh, the dealership will replace the ball joint but (get this) they have to take it out, inspect it to see if it IS worn and then ORDER the new one to match it. #ad

Does that mean that if they think it's not worn they PUT IT BACT???? #ad

Even the Service Writer couldn't believe it!
This makes me wonder just how many other premature parts failures are out there??? And by the way... the DC OEM replacement doesn't have any grease zerks either!


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White 2001, 3500, Auto,3:54 (soon to be 4:10),QC,2WD,LB,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er

 

[illflem]

There have been threads here detailing how to add zerks to your "lubed for life"ball joints,do a search. Replacement joints from NAPA come with zerks, it may be better to spring for one and let the dealer install it, if they will. My '95s came with zerks on all the ball joints,I doubt if the rods have changed,I wonder if you ask for a joint from an older rig if they might install one for you with a zerk.

 

[Guest00]

there is a TSB on this. I think it is a 98 or 99. They pull the ball joint and if they can get it to move and free it up w/ WD40 they reinstall it. ATTA WAY TO Go DC.

 

[Tagalong]

"Holy Ball Joint Batman!"
Thanks for the replies folks!
Good info on the zerks. FYI, while the tech. was checking out the ball joint he heated up the metal side (as opposed to the rubbber booted side #ad
) and got it to quiet down.
Hmmm, your replies have me wondering if they'll even take it off when I bring it in and they'll tell me it's all set!! Now you tell me they may just give it a squirt of "juice" and away I go... #ad

and we all thought Ferd "had a better idea!"

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White 2001, 3500, Auto,3:54 (soon to be 4:10),QC,2WD,LB,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er

 

[mr plow]

third dodge,and this is the first one that i ever had front end problems. first was 94 3500, second was 97 3500, current truck is 2000 2500 with 15k miles, and had both lower and upper ball joints replaced. was luck, they heard the noise, and front end guy just ordered them. was told that the noise is worse than the problem. I plowed with both sides busted for over 3 weeks.


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2000 2500 quad cab fisher 8'6" ez-v, k&n, trans and boost guages.

 

[AKDrifter]

The only thing lubed for life is a dealers silver slick toung! My ball joints are at . 027" only . 003" away from thier max. tollerance, I'm at 2215 mi. , still pulls firmly to the left. I like the exaust joke.

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2001 2500 QC 4x4 HO 6 speed, 4. 10 LSD loaded enough.

 

[AKDrifter]

I'm sorry, my hand pulls the wheel to the left, the rig goes right. (I still love this thing!)

 

[Extreme1]

Hopefully when the tech heated the joint he only put enough heat in to melt some grease and not the plastic cup.
After they replace it, add the zirks to the two lower joints.
My '94 didn't come with zirks on the ball joints, only on the steering (tie rod) joints.

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'94 3500 4x4, 209,000 miles, Never had a cat, Auto w/shift kit (thanks Dave G), 3. 54 Gears, TST #5 plate, 235-85-16s, Rancho 9000s w/remote, Isspro gauges inplace of cupholder & Amsoil Air Oil & Bypass Filters & Lubes, AWOL intake boot (put the silencer ring after I pulled the boot-too loud!?!). NRA member. Blue Ribbon Coalition member.
"Warrantee? We don't need no stinking warrantee!"

 

[WileyCoyote]

Could one of you be a bit more specific about whatever it is you are calling a "ball joint?"

There are tie rod ends, pitman arm swivels, and a tracking rod from the frame to the front axle that all could have the part you are discussing.

On another post, I discussed a squeaking, dry metal to metal noise that my truck has when turning and going over bumps. Could my noise be caused by the "ball joint" that you are talking about?

Thanks,

Harry