Loose upper ball joint.
#1
#2
That ball joint is likely fine, but will likely need to be tack welded in place, as it may have been pressed in crooked and now won't stay in place due to the hole being wallowed out a bit. While you're at it, might want to take a close look at those U-joints, as they may need attention, too. Thanks for providing such a clear photo of the issue.
#4
#5
Would it be an issue if I took the ball joint out and tack a few spots on the inside to create a tighter tolerance? Or possibly add a .005" shim sheet between the wallowed hole and the ball joint? Rather not tack weld the BJ to the "C" for later serviceability.
Last edited by drtydn; 11-26-2017 at 03:07 PM.
#6
What brand is the ball joint? Back when I replaced the u-joints on my 1997, I fought and fought with the one until my machinist neighbor measured it with his caliper. Sure enough, it was .0010 too large and was made in China. I took it back to the store to exchange and pay for the different of a US made u-joint that fit properly. I'm thinking you probably have a kwality part instead of a quality part.
#7
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#8
To be honest, I'm not sure of the brand, I asked my wife to order them four years ago, and just got around to putting them in a few weeks ago. I do remember that they didn't exactly look the same, I didn't think to take measurements. I might go on and order Moog problem solvers.
It also wouldn't have mattered in my situation because the front wheel bearings are bad on both sides, so I had to order new hubs.
#9
#10
He said he can tap it into the spindle with a rubber mallet. IMHO, that's bad. Ball joints should be a major bear to press into place. I know what you're saying about tacking them into place, but I think that's kind of iffy if the weld will hold up to that kind of stress.