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07-21-2018, 09:41 AM | Topic Starter |
Buddy Christ is a Chiefs fan
Join Date: Nov 2008
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Ball Joints and Upper Control Arm 2004 Ford F150
I had my truck in the shop a few weeks ago for some unrelated stuff and they told me the lower ball joints were bad on my truck. I suspected something to that effect as I was getting the jumping around in the wheel and driving when I hit a pot hole or bump.
They didn't mention the upper ball joint on the control arm but since I have the entire thing tore apart anyway would you just go ahead and replace it? I have to replace the entire control arm if I do. It doesn't look horrible that I can tell but I ain't the best at diagnosing shit. If I watch some videos though I am great at tearing shit apart and putting back together. I just don't want to have to do this again anytime soon. What say you? |
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07-21-2018, 11:32 AM | #2 |
MVP
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Michigan
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Control arms are kind of pricey and there's less stress on the upper joint than the lower. I, personally, wouldn't change the upper/control arm unless there is actually wear. They dont' tend to wear anywhere near as fast as the lowers. I'd have them check the control arm bushings as well though just to be sure. If all looks good, do just the lowers and maybe outer tie rod ends.
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07-21-2018, 12:08 PM | #3 | |
Shit
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Quote:
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07-21-2018, 12:26 PM | #4 |
MVP
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Michigan
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Feel free to correct it where I'm wrong, I have no quarrels with that. I'm not an expert, I just know in my experience it's extremely rare for uppers to wear anywhere near as fast as lowers. Of course, this is a POS Ford and I don't drive POS Fords. :P
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07-21-2018, 06:44 PM | #5 | |
Shit
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Quote:
You recommended not changing the uppers because they weren't bad but then recommended replacement of the outer tie rod ends just out of the blue. That really mate no sense to me. |
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07-22-2018, 12:50 AM | #6 | |
MVP
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Michigan
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Quote:
So here goes... When the ball joints begin to fail, there is much more vibration. That vibration and movement will be most noticeable at the outer tie rod ends, which are already adept at wearing in close proximity to the lower ball joints. The other factor here is that he's going to need an alignment anyhow, so why not replace the other part that will wear about as quickly right now and get one alignment done? If he doesn't, and they wear out in a few months, he's out another $100+ alignment fee. He did mention the symptom being the wheel jumping around, so it's very possible he has some rod damage already. He also mentioned not really wanting to do this again any time soon. It just seems for the extra $100, it'd be a wise time to do it. Edit: Also, interesting on the uppers. I can't recall ever having an upper fail under 200,000 miles. |
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07-21-2018, 12:45 PM | #7 |
Shit
Join Date: Jun 2008
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I read my wife your post and her response was the exact same as mine
I'm on the road right now but will explain when I get home. |
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07-21-2018, 12:47 PM | #8 |
Shit
Join Date: Jun 2008
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04 could have a couple different suspensions. Does yours have struts?
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07-21-2018, 01:06 PM | #9 |
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Annapolis, MD
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Does the truck squeak when going over a bump or particularly rough patch of road? That'd indicate, more often than not, bad bushings. I had a slammed 88 s10 when I was younger and I currently have a lowered STI swapped 04 Forester. I'm pretty harsh on my suspensions. Each component gives you a unique feel and sometimes sound as they go..
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07-21-2018, 01:36 PM | #10 | |
Shit
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Quote:
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07-21-2018, 06:39 PM | #11 |
Banned
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Location: Annapolis, MD
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07-21-2018, 06:41 PM | #12 |
Shit
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07-21-2018, 01:29 PM | #13 |
The Maintenance Guy
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate
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My Grand Cherokee has been doing that twitchy thing as well when I hit a bump or dip in the road, been wondering what the hell is causing that. Sucks if it is the ball joints/control arms because that's not a repair I'm going to take on myself.
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07-21-2018, 06:39 PM | #14 |
Shit
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Isn't that thing a solid front axle?
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07-21-2018, 09:09 PM | #15 |
The Maintenance Guy
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate
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