New Ball Joint?

Moon · Jul 17, 2012

My '03 GT, stock except for cat-back, k-member brace, and subframe connectors. For a while now I've been hearing a groaning/soft grinding noise coming from the front right wheel. It only makes the noise when I turn to the left (never turning right) and when I go over pot holes or driveways, it will also make a 'wobbling' sound. The only thing I can think of is the ball joint, maybe tie rod end since it also effects turning. Is this easy to check? Also, what all do I need to replace it, if necessary? Doesn't seem too difficult.

bhuff30 · Jul 17, 2012

Sounds similar to the noise my ball joint was making. Replace it sooner rather than later, because they can break and leave you stranded at best. I can't imagine breaking one at speed.

You can check it by jacking the front and trying to wiggle the wheels. If you can wiggle the wheel left and right, it is likely a tie rod issue. Play from top to bottom can mean a ball joint (but I could never wiggle mine). Play anywhere can mean a bad hub/bearing.

Yes, the ball joint can be replaced, but some manuals recommend replacing the entire lower control arm. It takes a ball joint removal tool to do the job. You can probably borow one from the local parts store. The job is pretty straight forward, just not a lot of fun because of the forces required to get it done.

Moon · Jul 17, 2012

bhuff30 said:
Sounds similar to the noise my ball joint was making. Replace it sooner rather than later, because they can break and leave you stranded at best. I can't imagine breaking one at speed.

You can check it by jacking the front and trying to wiggle the wheels. If you can wiggle the wheel left and right, it is likely a tie rod issue. Play from top to bottom can mean a ball joint (but I could never wiggle mine). Play anywhere can mean a bad hub/bearing.

Yes, the ball joint can be replaced, but some manuals recommend replacing the entire lower control arm. It takes a ball joint removal tool to do the job. You can probably borow one from the local parts store. The job is pretty straight forward, just not a lot of fun because of the forces required to get it done.

I stopped by a place, they said it was the brakes. Almost three years owning the car, and the brakes are almost done, haha. I was planning on checking them out anyway, but they said that the front and rear pads were around 10%. Makes sense, but the shop wanted to charge around $500 for parts and labor- rotors and pads for all four corners. Needless to say I'll be doing it myself. The only thing I couldn't understand is why there was a noise only while I was turning left, doesn't make sense that it's only a warped rotor.

Rusty67 · Jul 17, 2012

Did the shop check the ball joints and tie rod ends or just look at the brakes and stop there ? They may have seen $$ in your car on the brake job and just stopped right there.

You need a special tool to push the pistons back in for the rear calipers, don't use a c-clamp on them. I think Autozone will rent you the tool.

Kilgore Trout · Jul 17, 2012

Could be many things I find it unlikely to be ball joint but when you do the brakes take a good look around. Be sure and put in new brake fluid also.

New Ball Joint?

Moon

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New Ball Joint?

Moon

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