maikan Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I have a very loud squealing coming from my front left balljoint. The mechanic said that i shouldn't drive with it until it is replaced. Is it true that it is more dangerous, because it can seize and snap off, than a loose balljoint. And before I search the forum for info about balljoint, can I do that in my driveway, or do I need to to pay a mechanic 300$ to take care of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 You can do it in your driveway with hand tools. I have done them on an r50 before and it is actually fairly simple. You could probably still drive it just be careful...Do it yourself and save 300. If it were me I would do both sides at the same time, they usually fail around the same time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushnut Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I'd say do it yourself. get a haynes manual. it helps. the job is frustrating at times but not overly hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krmiller07 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I've never heard a ball joint 'squeal' in 30 + years of working on my own vehicles!? Is that like a squealing muffler bearing??? Lol. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maikan Posted January 30, 2014 Author Share Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) Maybe squeal is not the right choice of word... Here, listen for yourself http://s871.photobucket.com/user/maikan/media/20140130_1333521_zps6592735e.mp4.html Edited January 30, 2014 by maikan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krmiller07 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 Wow...when was the last time you had the entire front end lubed? Tie rods, center link, steering links etc.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maikan Posted January 30, 2014 Author Share Posted January 30, 2014 Just bought the truck few month ago so I don't really know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krmiller07 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 That's where I would start. Ball joints can be greased as long as there is a grease zerk on top of the ball joint or in the center. If you decide to replace the ball joints, it's worthwhile to install these grease zerks before installation and for future lubrication maintenance. Like I indicated, having the entire front end greased or having a 'chassis lube' performed would be where I'd start. Then you'll have a base line for maintenance records and future reference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 There are no grease zerks on the stock ball joints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krmiller07 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I know. That's why you need to remove the small bolt and install a zerk. Or you can drill and tap the appropriate sized hole and install the zerks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92Path_68CJ Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I'd say do it yourself. get a haynes manual. it helps. the job is frustrating at times but not overly hard. I'd say don't bother with Haynes or Chiltons and go straight to the source with a FSM. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maikan Posted February 1, 2014 Author Share Posted February 1, 2014 The noise is completely gone this morning. We have a heat wave today and no noise.maybe the mechanic was wrong about the balljoint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Once they start squeaking like that they should be replaced. It is past the point where lube will help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahardb0dy Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Best idea after buying any used vehicle is assume nothing was done and then do as much as you can right away, tune up, filters oil, grease, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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