Ball Joint Questions.

dkamp

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Location
Terre Haute In.
77 Diplomat that is not driven much over 500 miles per year.
I was looking at the Ball joints that I Grease a few times a year since the boots are dry rotted and split awhile back.
If I raise the car, pull/push up/down, Left/Right, there is zero movement in the drivers side.
The passenger side has a very slight movement. If I tighten the wheel bearing nut too much, the slight movement goes away.

Are there other methods I should do to check the ball joints?

So.....I need your opinions.
Should I consider replacing all the ball joints since the rubber boots are leaking grease?
Should I just replace that wheel bearing that only has a slight movement when just snugged tight good?
Should I replace Inner and outer bearings at the same time?
 
Last edited:
You need to check ball joints at ride height, not hanging. What I mean is, jack it up on the lower control arm (if you didn't that is). At full "droop" joints can seem fine and be loose at ride height.

Wheel bearings should have slight play when cold. That's so they aren't too tight after driving and heating up. Wouldn't hurt to inspect the bearings and races though.
 
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