I apologize if this has been done to death but i cant seem to find a DIY for doing the balljoints. I have a 2011 dodge ram 1500 ST 5.7 Hemi. I havent confirmed yet but i suspect either my ball joints are going bad or tie rod is. My front driver's side tire has worn significantly more than the others, which is why i suspect ball joints.
Anyway, Im looking for vehicle specific tips for my truck to get this project done before i start it. I tried the search function and i suspect i may be doing it wrong as nothing came up relevant to what i searched for. And There isnt one in the DIY section so i thought to post here.

So, What am i looking at?

 

2 or 4 wheel drive?

What part of the tire is wearing? Can you post a pic?

I would inspect everything before spending any money. Only replace the parts you have to.

 

the center part of the tire. The treads are more worn there than the outer portion. I can't take a pic right now but will upload one when i am able. Problem is, i recently rotated my tires about 2 weeks ago. So im not 100% sure this happened at this position. I haven't had time to pay much attention to my truck because Ive been overworked the last 3 months. ( still am). I just happened to notice the tire when i was filling up at the gas station. after seeing that one i inspected the other tires. All were fine, not great, but not as bad as this front driver side tire.

 

If the center is wearing before the rest, the tire is overinflated.

How does your steering feel? Still nice and tight?

 

It does pull to the left, on that tire. Ive actually brought that issue up to the dealership and they insist its fine, the alignment was ok

also, 4 wheel drive.

 

I tend to closely monitor my tire pressure. the specs on the placard recommend 40 psi. Starting out cold my tires are between 35 and 41 psi. once they warm up from driving they hover around 39 and 41 psi. 41 is usually that tire. its always for some reason at least 1 or 2 psi higher than the others
Truck has the TPM sensors i can monitor via the dash

 

Wonder if that sensor is lying to you. Generally, 1 or 2 PSI won't show that kind of wear, unless there is some other problem with the tire as well. Might try running your hand over it, CAREFULLY, see if you can feel a bulge, or where belts may have shifted.

 

I will double check the tire pressure. i do have a separate gauge i use when filling air. There is no noticeable bulge on the outward facing part of the tire. Cant feel a bulge on the inside. What does a bulge tell us about the center of the tire wearing more?

 

I was thinking shifted/broken belts in the tire, but, that would likely give you a vibration as well.

 

huh.. interesting. I do notice a slight vibration while driving. it comes and goes. Tire pressures check out. gauges match up.