Help Ball Joint problems

MxBen · #1 09-30-2013, 03:10 PM

I recently bought my first truck, a 2004 ford ranger fx4 4.0L. I went down to my local Firestone to get it inspected and they said i need ball joints. Yet all they did to show me that I needed them is wiggle my tire back and forth the tiniest little bit. I've read a few other threads and they've all mainly said the same. That the real way to check them is to put a load on the front end and take a pry bar and push up on the ball joint and see if it moves. Please help it doesn't vibrate going down the road so i don't know if i need them or not.

STL · #2 09-30-2013, 03:14 PM

Press up & down on corner of bumper. If you hear a knock type sound good chance their bad.

MBFX4 · #3 09-30-2013, 03:23 PM

To learn how to check the ball joints with the pry bar first do it yourself and see if you notice anything, then have a friend do it as you look under the truck, you will be able to watch the ball joint move if its bad maybe even reach in and feel it if u can feel a pop then its bad. But if they move it and say its bad, then its bad.

MxBen · #4 09-30-2013, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBFX4

To learn how to check the ball joints with the pry bar first do it yourself and see if you notice anything, then have a friend do it as you look under the truck, you will be able to watch the ball joint move if its bad maybe even reach in and feel it if u can feel a pop then its bad. But if they move it and say its bad, then its bad.

ok thanks all they did was pull on the tire and it moved maybe a 1/4 of an inch. But ill defiantly try this.

MBFX4 · #5 09-30-2013, 10:06 PM

1/4 inch is way to much... every had a ball joint break? They kinda pull out of socket if worn to bad. I've had a few come into my body shop after words. Imagine driving down the road your ball joint break ur spindle kicks out you lose control of steering to that side now your in for a ride.

Skylark65 · #6 10-01-2013, 06:23 AM

they typically seem to go bad fairly early on these trucks, especially if you live in an area with bad roads. mine wore out within a year of me getting the truck.

back when i did mine, i found rockauto had the best prices on them by far. i upgraded to moog greasable ball joints for a little more $$ so i can grease them when i change the oil, hopefully they should last longer.

RoberticusMaximus · #7 10-01-2013, 06:30 AM

incoming video! uno momento por favor

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how to check for a bad ball joint:

Mattygb2128 · #8 10-03-2013, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MxBen

I recently bought my first truck, a 2004 ford ranger fx4 4.0L. I went down to my local Firestone to get it inspected and they said i need ball joints. Yet all they did to show me that I needed them is wiggle my tire back and forth the tiniest little bit. I've read a few other threads and they've all mainly said the same. That the real way to check them is to put a load on the front end and take a pry bar and push up on the ball joint and see if it moves. Please help it doesn't vibrate going down the road so i don't know if i need them or not.

Hey bud, Im actually a manager at a Firestone. If they tell you somethings bad (esp to the point where they bring you out to physically show you) its definitely bad. Everything we do has to be noted and verified somehow so if a customer makes a complaint or questions anything we can back it up to corporate. Firestone is one of the least b/s repair shops out their, we got strict guidelines and our district office will tear us a new one if they get a complaint that we cant explain ourselves out of. We dont usually try to up-sell unless is something you should think about doing later down the road or just scheduled maintenance. Theres usually no pressure unless its a safety concern such as a ball joint, bearing, brakes, etc.

Mind me asking which Firestone location wise?

MxBen · #9 10-04-2013, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattygb2128

Hey bud, Im actually a manager at a Firestone. If they tell you somethings bad (esp to the point where they bring you out to physically show you) its definitely bad. Everything we do has to be noted and verified somehow so if a customer makes a complaint or questions anything we can back it up to corporate. Firestone is one of the least b/s repair shops out their, we got strict guidelines and our district office will tear us a new one if they get a complaint that we cant explain ourselves out of. We dont usually try to up-sell unless is something you should think about doing later down the road or just scheduled maintenance. Theres usually no pressure unless its a safety concern such as a ball joint, bearing, brakes, etc.

Mind me asking which Firestone location wise?

Thanks man. I I'm a technical high school so I didn't really want them to fix something that I can do my self because of money wise. Also they just didn't seem bad cause there was no sound, shaking or anything when I drive it. And the location was in Dennis Ma.

Mattygb2128 · #10 10-04-2013, 04:37 AM

We have the same district manager i believe. Its a tough one! Well good luck with it bud

fazda93 · #11 10-04-2013, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattygb2128

Hey bud, Im actually a manager at a Firestone. If they tell you somethings bad (esp to the point where they bring you out to physically show you) its definitely bad. Everything we do has to be noted and verified somehow so if a customer makes a complaint or questions anything we can back it up to corporate. Firestone is one of the least b/s repair shops out their, we got strict guidelines and our district office will tear us a new one if they get a complaint that we cant explain ourselves out of. We dont usually try to up-sell unless is something you should think about doing later down the road or just scheduled maintenance. Theres usually no pressure unless its a safety concern such as a ball joint, bearing, brakes, etc.

Mind me asking which Firestone location wise?

I take my Nissan high top service Van too Firestone. I trust them more then the Dealer.. top notch work and they go outta their way too get me in and out ASAP....

Mattygb2128 · #12 10-04-2013, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fazda93

I take my Nissan high top service Van too Firestone. I trust them more then the Dealer.. top notch work and they go outta their way too get me in and out ASAP....

Good to hear dude! Im glad they do well for ya!