2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Proper way to check ball joints?

[TWilkening]

I am hearing a rattling noise from the front end of my 01. I am thinking it may be the ball joints. I am wondering what the correct way is to check these.

 

[B.G. Smith]

I doubt that you would hear a rattle from the ball joints? Might be the shock mounting bolts not tight enough. To do a preliminary check on the joints, jack up the front wheel to be checked and support the weight as far out toward the wheel as you can get the jack stand, just make sure the upper control arm is not touching the rubber bumper, have someone observe the lower ball joint, put a bar under the tire and pry upward and release, if there is any movement then the joint has some wear, on a 99 the max. allowed is . 030". You can push in and pull out on the top of the wheel and see if there is any play in top joint. There is a more specific and precicion procedure for checking the wear and it requires the use of a dial test indicator. bg

 

[JHansen]

Have a look at the control arm bushings-that is where the last rattle in my front end was coming from.



Jason

 

[moparmikeJ]

I had a rattle in the front end of my baby and it turned out to be one of my calipers. The rubber bushings were loose on the mounting bolts. Mike

 

[BrookeSmith]

Shock Mounts Loose?

My 99 had the right front shock mount where it attaches to the axel was loose. The through hole for the shock absorber bolt in the axel is quite large relative to the bolt. If the bolt comes loose, you can feel it with your foot on the forward left portion of the floor board. Good Luck. .