I checked my ball joints today, and I have a loose of a bit less than 1/16" (left and right side)

So, when do I have to change the ball joints? at 1/8"? more than that?

 

Here are the limits for the upper and lower ball joints:

Radial (side-to-side) movement in the upper ball joint should not exceed 0.060" (1.5mm).

Axial (up and down) movement in the lower ball joint should not exceed 0.050" (1.25mm).

 

I did not think my lower ball joints were very bad when I did the bar test. I replaced them and found that the lower ball joints were much worse that I thought. ......maybe I did not look close enough when I did the test.

 

Looks like its time. You're right there at the max tolerance, they will get worse quickly from where they are at now.

 

I installed Dynatrac Pro Steers.....expensive but I only want to do it once. Time will tell; good luck.

 

I called my dealer Thursday and telling him that my ball joints have a movement of 1/16" (1.6 mm), and the guy told me that 1/16" is not enough for the replacement under warranty. He's talking about 1/8" (3.2 mm)

WTF, I don't want DW

 

They are wrong, according to their own tech data.
The best way to measure is with a dial indicator.

 

I will call another dealer next week

 

how many miles were on your JK when you had to replace them? Should U-joints be done the same time?

 

Basically have the same issue. I took it in and they said ball joints were within tolerance. They've been really good about everything else, so I'm not inclined to think they are jerking me around, but I think they move too much.

So I may just need to bite the bullet and do it myself. Cost would be just a little more than having them do it due to the deductable for the extended warranty and would stick with stock ones, just to not cause any issues with said warranty.

I don't really want to do thius particular job, I just know it will turn into a 6 hour project instead of the 2-3 they say it should be.