Post by atvsunlspokane on May 20, 2014 13:04:55 GMT -5
Ball joints when new have no wiggle in them at all. They roll real smooth in there joints! But of course no manufacturer from name brand and so on ever made one that can last forever under dirt riding conditions. Only on pavment without bumps will they last, same goes for a car or truck. They just start wearing out quick from day one if you are into jumping and the mogols. You can check your ball joints in several ways. One way is by pulling and pushing on your tire if if moves back and forth,the Top ball joints are worn. By lifting the front end and noticing if the lower ball joint streches out of its joint and when you lower the front end it goes back in. On a recent inspection of both my rigs,1 rigs ball joints are worn,on the other only one side. Now remember ball joints just like any part out there is made using International manufacturing Standards of quality. All manufactures have to follow this policy. They may improve on the standard if they want. But the name and commerical ads won't give you the answer and either will price. A DUCK, IS A DUCK! Now my local machanic said if all you are doing is soft trail and road riding,worn ball joints are no big deal. I drive my rigs 15 to 20 mph on the street and 5 to 7 mph on the trail. They have been loose for awhile and probably will not fail. But if you are a racer or a dirt jump freak,then it is good practice to change them every year! My rigs are 2007's and this winter I will change them after a season of just taking it easy as usual. If yours are worn and you want to jump and thump around. Change them now before you loose an A-ARM AND BREAK YOUR NECK! They are easy to bang out and put back in. There are enexpensive tools you can buy or make up yourself from tools you already have. Or some Auto parts store's loan this type of tool with a deposit like Autozone!