1997 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.9L, 4X4
About four months ago I replaced all 4 ball joints, driver’s side wheel bearing and an axle shaft u-joint. So I yesterday I had to replace the passenger side wheel bearing. I had a hard time getting the bearing off but I managed to do it (i.e. big hammer). When I was putting everything back together I noticed that the knuckle was not on sitting flush with the upper ball joint, it was hanging down about 3/8ths of an inch. The lower ball joint actually started to move out of its socket as well. When I put the truck back on the ground (weight of the truck on the suspension) everything looked normal and there is no play in the tire?. Does this usually happen? Is this normal? When using the hammer, am I pulling down on the shaft of the upper ball joint, causing the shaft to move downward in the ball joint? Are my ball joints toasted all ready? (Only 10,000 miles on them) Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.

 

I think it's normal, I replaced mine with MOOG's a while back. There was a piece of paper in the box saying it was normal. I don't remember what it said as to why though. As far as the lower one coming out of the knuckle, that may have just been because you were hammering to get the bearing out.

 

Thanks for the help. Just wanted to make sure that I wasn't going crazy, or have my front tire fall off...lol

 

I know atleast the upper stud/ball moves in and out of the housing itself. I replaced one once, and was doing something else and noticed it too. Took it out, went to get a new one and it did the same thing, then I noticed the paper in the box. And like I said, it was a Moog. Don't know what brand you bought, but maybe go to the store you bought it at and check a new one.