2G Ball Joint

[ShadowXAlpha]

Ok... So... im a bit confused.

I have a rattle comming from my front passenger suspension. It sounds almost as if something is loose. But, when i jack up the car, and tug and pull on things, everything is quite solid. I was wondering what it sounds like when the lower ball joint goes out, and if that could be the problem, i had the recall done a while back, but i heard that it could go bad again?? I would prefer not to take it to a shop considering that most in my area rape.

Any info would be helpful.

Thanks

Rob

 

[wret]

Check your sway bar end links. The ball joints usually announce themselves with great fanfare: embarrassing creaking, groaning, squeaking over otherwise undetectable bumps and around curves.

 

[Strm Trpr]

I know I have something wrong with one of 10 joints in the front suspension.
I tried checking it out too by jacking it up and trying to pry on things, and it all seemed solid. Then I checked my manual and a Haynes manual gives you a pretty good explanation of how to check your tie rod ends, wheels bearings, upper and lower balljoints.
Use chock blocks or equivalent for the back tires, jack up car and place onto jack stands. Of course you know all of this, but I just can't help myself.

Remove the screw that goes thru the lower control arm that supports the wishbone for your front struts.
Then you use a pry bar or equivalent to pry between the arms and knuckles near the suspected joints.
If you have any axial movement, axial meaning in parallel with the screws at each joint, then the joint is wasted.
The limit, or so I was told be firestone is .040" on the lower ball joints.
I'd get a manual if you don't have one, and follow their instructions before you follow mine.

 

[steve]

Check your sway bar end links.

+1 on this. If you can move them by hand it's time to replace them. If they're bad the front end will rattle/thump on rough road, expansion joints, etc.

Steve