OK, the lower front ball joints on our 90 have some play in them. We need to drive the car 300 miles (round trip) on the interstate this weekend. I know it's not the safest, but in how much danger are we in here? How often do mk3 worn ball joints blow out? I just blew a Ball joint on my 4x4 offroading this weekend so I'm kinda paranoid now. what do you guys think?
worn ball joints; need opinion on safety
- Thread starter Supra5MGTE
- Start date
Well, if it appears to be tight, and not so VERY loose when you jack up the car to check it, then it may be ok for a few 100 more miles.
what's the correct way to "check" the lower Ball joint? pry bar? or just shake the tire like checking for bearing wear?
A pry bar can work. I'd have to look at mine (and its to cold and rainy right now) to see if you can use some very big channel locks to 'squeeze' it to see the play.
Our car's lower joint does not get real worn, like I've seen many upper joints on chevy, ford, etc.
Our car's lower joint does not get real worn, like I've seen many upper joints on chevy, ford, etc.
you can probably drive it another couple thousand km's
unless you hit a big bump or a hole
when i replaced mine i could tilt the old balljoints with one finger and they've seen about two months of hardcore driving before that
so i'm pretty sure you gonna be safe
unless you hit a big bump or a hole
when i replaced mine i could tilt the old balljoints with one finger and they've seen about two months of hardcore driving before that
so i'm pretty sure you gonna be safe
ball joints last a while if there is not too much play in them, youll be fine.
a 4x4 will blow them easily if you are in 4wd and wrench it, but you should be ok on the highway.
a 4x4 will blow them easily if you are in 4wd and wrench it, but you should be ok on the highway.
good to know. I was hoping/figured on a stock car with small wheels they'd be ok even though they have play in them. My Dana 44 front axle's had some play in them.. and bam, lower one popped out, RF wheel assembly fell out from under my 4runner in a mud trench. didn't get home until 4am that night. and it's sitting on jack stands for the next week or 2. so thats why i'm a bit paranoid about it now. but cool guys. thanks.
Supra5MGTE said:
jack the car up, put the jackstand on the lower control arm to unload the balljoint. grab the wheel at 3 and 9 and wiggle. then grab it at 12 and 6 and wiggle. if there is movement wiggle the wheel while you duck you head into the wheel well and look for what is moving.
http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1546&highlight=popcorn
http://www.cygnusx1.net/supra/library/TSRM/fa/FA_21.html
This shows the best way to check your ball joints. A strong shovel or axe handle would be a good choice for the pry bar.
Asterix
This shows the best way to check your ball joints. A strong shovel or axe handle would be a good choice for the pry bar.
Asterix
cool. either way though, I picked up some Moog Ball joints today and 4 monroe sensatrac shocks. Also got a spring compressor tool. I guess I'm gona do the front end tomorrow and see if I have time to do the rear shocks.