Just as the topic says.... just trying to diagnose a problem I've been having lately, and this is where me and a few other guys I know think it lies at... the ball joint. So, I'd like to hear what you guys and gals have to say about it.

Adam

 

So, what is the problem you are trying to diagnose? Jack it up, put a bar under the tire and pry it up. Have someone else watch and see if the ball joint pops up and down.

 

When my Ball joints went I could hear a clunking sound coming from the front whenever I backed up and turned the wheel.

 

The problem I'm having is that clunking sound, when I brake, back up, and mainly turn the wheel..... (Sounding a bit familiar to the above post). So....

Oh, and I check about a week ago and there was NO, and I repeat ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY NO GREASE in either ball joint, I could push the stiff nasty rough feeling rubber all the way in and touch the metal area.... and these must have been like this for a LONG time, cause no ones ever put grease in either of um as long as I've owned the car.... and thats been a year or so so far. So thats where I belive the problem is, could be wrong, but I'm sure it won't hurt to replace um anyway.

Adam

 

i had the same noise when backing and turning the wheel, and sometime when stopping.. it WAS the ball joints..

 

how hard is it to just replace the joints. someone told me it would be easier to replace my whole control arm?

 

Hell no do them yourself. Replace the whole control arm, who in there right mind would tell you that? Buy your ball joints and go rent a ball joint press form AutoZone or Kragen, just leave a deposit and when you return it you get it back.