Jump to content
Ultimate Subaru Message Board

Ball Joints: I sthere any rhyme or reason to when they wear out?


 Share

Recommended Posts

I had a nasty rump roast "clunking" sound when I would be in gear and a "clunk....clunk....clunk, clunk" when I'd be roling down the road in gear. My inner CV joint boot was ripped and trhe outer one was about to go, so I pulled a decent looking axle off a parts car and slapped it on, but I notice that when I held the steering knuckle and pulled on it there was an eighth to damn near a quarter inch of play! The ball joint was TERRIBLY sloppy! But the funny thing is that the boot on it was intact?!? Anyway for the second time in 5 knuckles I have dealt with I have seen that someone let that poor ball joint get that way because the bolt that holds the top of the ball joint to the knuckle was sheared off. I replaced it with a knuckle and ball joint that was tight and in decent shape that does have a ripped boot. I packed the taer with grease and hopefully the small tear andthe extra grease will shield the joint from dirt for a while til I can properly replace it.

 

So whats the deal, do they make new boots for em? How coul;d one be ripped and intact and one intact and badly worn out?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Once the boot is riped, the stage is set for premature wear. Unlike a cv joint, if you see a rippeds boot, its possible to totally clean the cv joints and add new grease and new boots. Ball joints, once the dirt gets in the grease, its already worked its way into places you cant get too. ALso thers is such a thing as too much grease on a joint, as it will attract more dirt. You used to be able to replace the boots many many moons ago, but for reasons stated above, iits just easier and safer to rpelace the joint.

 

nipper

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How coul;d one be ripped and intact and one intact and badly worn out?

 

The boots arn't a perfect seal, and the extreme high pressure greases in use today really dont like water. Probably some water got in and set things off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...