1G New MOOG lower ball joints loose fitting, normal?

[greekgodchaos]

I bought new moog lower ball joints, the old ones had a heck of a time coming out, but these slipped right in but wiggle and spin freely even with the snap ring holding it in. Has anyone else run into this issue? Is this normal?

EDIT: Based on what I and many others have experienced, do not use MOOG lower ball joints part number K9617, as they are too skinny and ultimately unsafe to use.

 

[steve]

There have been reports of this in the past. Mine weren't like that but that was many, many years ago and Moog could have changed suppliers since.

It's also important that both when pressing out and back in that it happens straight so that the control arm isn't deformed.

Have you measured the diameter of both to see if they were/are the same size?

 

[greekgodchaos]

Problem is that I popped the old ones out a week ago and tossed them out because I figured I wouldn't need them, so i have nothing to measure now. Bad, BAD mistake.

 

[steve]

Did you also toss the boxes the new ones came from. The part number might be useful if they are too small.

 

[greekgodchaos]

I found the flap after digging in the trash, it's K9617, which is what is listed as the correct one for a 1g.

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I think it's also worth mentioning that the thickness of the clip I got with the new joint is 1.6mm thick and the single old one I found on the floor is 1.8mm, so with that one it fits a bit better but still jiggles a bit.

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[dwb]

Yes, I had the same issue with 1g MOOG lower ball joints. Definitely not normal. I ended up returning them and bought some NAPA joints that press-fit properly.

 

[greekgodchaos]

Yes, I had the same issue with 1g MOOG lower ball joints. Definitely not normal. I ended up returning them and bought some NAPA joints that press-fit properly.

You wouldn't happen to have a part number would you? Otherwise I'm gonna be popping into my local part stores with a digital caliper like a madman

 

[dwb]

I don't, sorry. I just went to NAPA and asked for anything other than MOOG brand. They had them in stock but I don't remember what brand.

 

[greekgodchaos]

The joint fits perfectly it just seems like the c-clip is too thin, it should be between 1.9-2mm thick to hold it in place properly.

 

[greekgodchaos]

I ordered some non greaseable Delphi ball joints so those will be here next week. Maybe they'll fit better, who knows.

 

[dwb]

The joint should press-fit into the control arm and hold securely all by its self, just as tight as the old one. The clip is just a safety fastener. If the entire ball joint twists and wiggles inside the control arm then it is the wrong size and will waller out the control arm making any future repairs difficult. Plus you will be dealing with slop in your wheel alignment.

My advise, don't use those loose MOOGs (K9617) unless you plan to weld them in place.

Also, FWIW, Rock Auto just refunded my money and didn't ask for return of the product when I said they were defective.

 

[greekgodchaos]

The joint should press-fit into the control arm and hold securely all by its self, just as tight as the old one. The clip is just a safety fastener. If the entire ball joint twists and wiggles inside the control arm then it is the wrong size and will waller out the control arm making any future repairs difficult. Plus you will be dealing with slop in your wheel alignment.

My advise, don't use those loose MOOGs (K9617) unless you plan to weld them in place.

Also, FWIW, Rock Auto just refunded my money and didn't ask for return of the product when I said they were defective.

I ordered mine off Amazon but I'll definitely be returning them.