2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Ball Joints / secondary damage?

[Hobart]

I've got completely worn out ball joints on the driver's side again - Dodge replaced them 12K ago . Anyone know why this would happen. I'm replaceing them at an independent shop with greaseables. The passenger side is worn too but not side to side so I want to wait on these until Spring. My question is can I do any other damage say to the axle or u joints by waiting another 5K?

 

[DNewell]

that sucks!!! What a pain, huh? I wouldn't recommend waiting another 5k, but I don't think that it can do much damage. Just look around at all the vehicles on the road with the front tires canted in at the top. If they're 4wd, generally you can assume they've got bad ball joints.

This is just my opinion, but I would ask a reputable shop to see what they say. I think that the possibility of damage to other components does exist, but to what extent, I'm not 100% sure.

 

[Pavemen]

you can start to wear the seals and maybe even wear into the axle shafts once the seals go. This is because the knuckle leans in causing the axle to be misaligned with th axle tube. This in turn stresses the seal and wears it out. When the rubber wears, the spring will then wear into the shaft.

Are you running stock tires/wheels? More offset/less backspace and wider wheels puts extra stress on the joints.

What about your steering box vs turning radius? If your hitting the knuckle stops when turning a lot but continuing to turnt he wheel (making the pump start to whine) then you are putting addtional side load on the ball joints.

 

[Batphreak]

You'll trash the tires pretty quickly with worn out ball joints.

 

[SFrey]

I help a little independent used car lot out that only sells dodge cummins trucks, since i have started (just about a year now) I've done over 30 sets of ball joints. (all 4 = set) From 94 to 06 trucks, we use only MOOG parts, have had to replace some NAPA ball joints only after 3500 miles. so far so good on the Moogs. Good luck



scot

 

[dresslered]

I had to replace all of my ball joints at 63k miles as they were completely shot. I went with Moog components. I also did the track bar and tie rods as well as adding the DSS. Now I have over 114,000 miles and there is no sign of any wear. I just grease them at every oil change. We also had to replace my wife's ball joints on her Durango and went with the Moog brand.