Topic: Ball Joints

[enginethatcould]

When I turn the tire to the right the whole front of the jeep leans forward and to the right so I'm guessing the ball joint is what is making it do that. I was looking on autozone's website and don't know which ones I will need. One is an upper and one is a lower. I need to change the joints on my draglink, I guess?  Also, if any body has any suggestions on changing these it would be greatly appreciated. This will be a first for me.
thanks!

[Bounty Hunter]

I don't understand 'leans to the front'?

I would watch all the components in the front end while somebody else turns the wheel, to determine what is loose/worn.

Balljoints are generally replaced in pairs, upper and lower in each side.  Not required, but you've already got it apart and why do it twice?  It requires pulling the bearing assembly and axleshaft, and removing the steering knuckle.  Most auto parts stores rent the balljoint service tool.

[enginethatcould]

I don't understand 'leans to the front'?

I would watch all the components in the front end while somebody else turns the wheel, to determine what is loose/worn.

Balljoints are generally replaced in pairs, upper and lower in each side.  Not required, but you've already got it apart and why do it twice?  It requires pulling the bearing assembly and axleshaft, and removing the steering knuckle.  Most auto parts stores rent the balljoint service tool.

It's hard to explain. This may help, then it may not. I'll try to gat better video tonight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgNpU1MVpJ0

[oldjeep]

Looks perfectly normal to me.  Leaf springs and no track bar.  If it really bothers you, switch to poly bushings.

[enginethatcould]

Looks perfectly normal to me.  Leaf springs and no track bar.  If it really bothers you, switch to poly bushings.

It'0s not that, the drag link turns about 90 degrees when I turn the wheel all the way to the right. I couldn't get a good shot with my crappy camera. It's just odd and tossed a red flag to me. It also made a knocking noise as well, but is was just when I turned the wheel all the way to right.

[Jesse-James]

the drag link turns about 90 degrees when I turn the wheel all the way to the right.

That is also normal.

The "knock" you describe should be looked into though. Have you put the tires in the air to check for play on the joints?

[Jeffy]

Sounds like the knock from the drag-link rotating the tie-rod then the drag-link maxes out causing a knock.  Check the drag-link ball-joint for any wear.  It will usually have some wear at the top and bottom if it's knocking.  The fix is to correct the steering geometry so the drag-link's angle isn't as steep.  Otherwise, keep the joint greased and check it occasionally.

[Bounty Hunter]

Are the tires bald or is it just the crappy camera?

Your problem appears to be a combination of the tall shackles and the steep draglink angle.  A steep draglink will roll the tierod ends before moving the tierod.

[enginethatcould]

I have a 4" drop pitman coming in today. So hopefully.....it wont give me to much of a migrane and be a managable install as well as solve this problem. Thanks for all the help guys, I'll let you know how it goes.

[Bounty Hunter]

Remember to use a puller and a BFH.  Tighten, hit, tighten, hit.  It'll come off.

[enginethatcould]

date=1216126837]
Remember to use a puller and a BFH.  Tighten, hit, tighten, hit.  It'll come off.
[/quote]

Yeah..that's general idea I have gotten [quote author=Bounty Hunter link=topic=4946.msg38109#msg38109

[jfrabat]

It'0s not that, the drag link turns about 90 degrees when I turn the wheel all the way to the right. I couldn't get a good shot with my crappy camera. It's just odd and tossed a red flag to me. It also made a knocking noise as well, but is was just when I turned the wheel all the way to right.

My YJ does exactly the same thing.  Just to feel safe (and since all my boots are shot to hell and loosing any grease I put into them), I decided to replace the steering, and went with a 1-ton set-up.  I have it in my garage, but have not installed it yet.

[enginethatcould]

FYI- I installed the drop pitman arm today. It went fairly well. I broke the first puller then cut relief slots in the arm and used the backup puller to get it off. I took me about two hours to do it all. The bump steer has quieted down a bunch but the jeep still moves when turning the wheel. i think that has a lot to do with the fact that I'm not running a trac bar up front. Oh well, Just thought I would let you guys know. Also tyhank you guys for all the help.

[brokenwrist21]

all vehicles will move while turning the wheels when your sitting still. my jeep even does it with everything hooked up. its just a fact of life.

[enginethatcould]

all vehicles will move while turning the wheels when your sitting still. my jeep even does it with everything hooked up. its just a fact of life.

This may be true but not raise one side of the front end as high as it was.