I think it may be time for new ball joint and some other steering components but I want to get the most life out of my stock parts... how do guys know when certain things are going bad?
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Are you getting death wobble? What are the symptoms you are trying to diagnose? Or is this preventative? There could be a lot of approaches to diagnosing based on the issue
This is what I’ve done:
Ball joints you can check for by jacking up one side, putting something near the tire to use as a fulcrum, and using a crowbar/piece of wood to try and check the wheel for play/clicking.
Wheel bearings with the side still jacked you can check by trying to wiggle with your hands on the tire at 12 & 6; tie rod can be hands at 3 & 9, again shouldn’t feel play/ hear clicking
For tie rod/drag link I put some cardboard under my tires(I used some cardboard since I was in my driveway, if you have a sandy road that works too, this was just to protect my tred and driveway a little), got my significant other in the driver seat and watched as he moved the wheel back and forth. You can see/hear if things are bad if the ends show movement/clicking. Also a sign can be the tie rod/drag link feeling loose/not holding position.
Track bar bolt/bushing could be showing movement and need tightened/replaced
Sound can play a part; I don’t put up with noises from my Jeep, if I’m hearing something new I’m under it figuring out what it is
And of course make sure bolts are torqued properly and aren’t coming loose
--Erin