While a have axles and hubs off to install the spin free kit should I do my ball joints as well? There is play up/down at the joint, but there is quite a lot at the tire. What says the experts?
Up-and-down play in the ball joints: Is this normal?
- Thread starter Gollywomper
- Start date
OP
Ya I think I will just do them while I’m there. Not sure how many miles are in these axles, but my 35s and rough mountain roads sure aren’t doing them any favors.
Everything is off the work is halfway done. Go ahead and replace. The OTC ballpoint press makes the job easier
OP
Is there a way to identify a ball joint by looks? I can tell mine have been done before, uppers clean up real easy so I don’t think they are all that old. I ordered new spicers, just curious what brand these ones are?
Just really hoping they are not knurled. Top joints have J16 stamped on them. Lowers have K16. Anyone seen any like these?
Just really hoping they are not knurled. Top joints have J16 stamped on them. Lowers have K16. Anyone seen any like these?
OP
Started searching pics online and found them.
Now what? I read about using loctite 680 retaining compound when replacing knurled with smooth joints. Any suggestions?
Saw in old thread where they “Dimpled” the new ball joint to make a tighter fit.
Now what? I read about using loctite 680 retaining compound when replacing knurled with smooth joints. Any suggestions?
Saw in old thread where they “Dimpled” the new ball joint to make a tighter fit.
OP
Well luckily the G2 ball joint knurling was fairly soft. They didn’t leave hardly any marks in the C. The spicers lower joints went in noticeably harder than the G2 came out. The uppers went in a bit easier, one hand pulls on a 16” breaker bar. Still used some loctite 680 so they should be in there good a secure.
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OP
I was removing everything don to the knuckle anyway so figured might as well. I could see some lateral movement at the top of the tire when prying on it test the Ball joints. Had my self all stressed out about it since I found out the old ones were knurled. Figured I would be dealing with a loose fitting spicer joint. Was glad to bottoms went in real tight. Wish the tips went in a bit tighter though. I have not ever done them before so not real sure how tight they go back in. How much effort did you have to install new joints?
OP
I was removing everything don to the knuckle anyway so figured might as well. I could see some lateral movement at the top of the tire when prying on it test the Ball joints. Had my self all stressed out about it since I found out the old ones were knurled. Figured I would be dealing with a loose fitting spicer joint. Was glad to bottoms went in real tight. Wish the tips went in a bit tighter though. I have not ever done them before so not real sure how tight they go back in. How much effort did you have to install new joints?
OP
I was removing everything don to the knuckle anyway so figured might as well. I could see some lateral movement at the top of the tire when prying on it test the Ball joints. Had my self all stressed out about it since I found out the old ones were knurled. Figured I would be dealing with a loose fitting spicer joint. Was glad to bottoms went in real tight. Wish the tips went in a bit tighter though. I have not ever done them before so not real sure how tight they go back in. How much effort did you have to install new joints?
OP
I was removing everything don to the knuckle anyway so figured might as well. I could see some lateral movement at the top of the tire when prying on it test the Ball joints. Had my self all stressed out about it since I found out the old ones were knurled. Figured I would be dealing with a loose fitting spicer joint. Was glad to bottoms went in real tight. Wish the tips went in a bit tighter though. I have not ever done them before so not real sure how tight they go back in. How much effort did you have to install new joints?
OP
I was removing everything down to the knuckle anyway so figured might as well. I could see some lateral movement at the top of the tire when prying on it test the Ball joints. Had my self all stressed out about it since I found out the old ones were knurled. Figured I would be dealing with a loose fitting spicer joint. Was glad to bottoms went in real tight. Wish the tips went in a bit tighter though. I have not ever done them before so not real sure how tight they go back in. How much effort did you have to install new joints?
OP
I was removing everything down to the knuckle anyway so figured might as well. I could see some lateral movement at the top of the tire when prying on it test the Ball joints. Had my self all stressed out about it since I found out the old ones were knurled. Figured I would be dealing with a loose fitting spicer joint. Was glad to bottoms went in real tight. Wish the tips went in a bit tighter though. I have not ever done them before so not real sure how tight they go back in. How much effort did you have to install new joints?
They went in pretty snug. Took some effort with the ball joint press. Mine were originals with 170k on them.
OP
This was at least the third set on this axle. So guess it’s expected they wouldn’t go in as tight.
OP
This was at least the third set on this axle. So guess it’s expected they wouldn’t go in as tight.
not a lot. Enough I could see the top of the tire move in.