Will they laugh at me if I bring my jeep in to have what I think is a ball joint replaced, if it is lifted 2.5"? Springs/shocks/trackbar only.

Jeep has been making a god awful creaking noise from the left front tire that sounds like an old creaky door opening and closing real slowly and I can't figure out what it was. I checked the trackbar and control arms and no resolve. It sounds to be coming from the area of the shock but I don't see how a shock could make this noise.

If I stand on my side steps and jump and bounce the jeep it makes the noise.

I have literally like 2,000 left on my factory warranty so I would have to do this fast. If they deem it not under warranty though they charge me an arm and a leg...

 

Well, if you went to my dealer, they would deny it....I think it will depend on dealer.

 

Any way to test if it is in fact my ball joint?

I don't have the tools to change a ball joint.

 

Set the dial indicator(3) to zero.
Insert a prybar (5) between the knuckle (4) and axle tube (2).
Record the radial upper ball joint movement. If this reading is above 1.5 mm (0.060 in) then replacement of the upper ball joint is necessary See: Service and Repair\Front Upper Ball Joint - Removal.

 

So its definitely getting worse.


Other than the ball joint I can't imagine what it could be.

Highly doubt its the shock.


Should I risk going to the dealer and pray they help me out instead of charging me an arm and a leg or just go to a mechanic?


I don't own the tools for ball joints. Is it a tough install? Are the tools expensive? (I did my lift on my own)

 

You'll never know unless you go and find out...

 

Google search 'planman death wobble video'. It one one of the best suspension diagnostic videos on the interwebs.

 

Have you checked all of your bushings? Are they greasable?

 

I watched some youtube videos of what a bad ball joint sounds like and that is 110% the sound I have.

Sounds like a creaky old rocking chair. This noise has been on and off for like a year now but it stopped so I thought nothing of it until now it restarted and won't go away.

I'm worried about driving it as I drive 100% highway too and from work at the moment.

Is it safe to drive it for a few more days?

Is it stupid to spend $45 to get OEM parts vs expensive alternatives?

 

First off, what lift/track bar do you have? How many miles do you have?

I would suspect a spring, or CA bushing or track bar bushing to make a noise like that. Bad ball joints, typically would make for squirlly steering and clunking sounds. Have you fully extended or compressed your springs? Perhaps one is not seated properly. Also, get under there and check for play in your CA bushings... all the bushings while you're at it.

I won't say names at this point, but my first lift made these sorts of noises. I replaced the springs and shocks with a different brand and have no spring/shock noise issues after more than 2 years and 60k miles.

If you are going to replace the ball joints, forget the warranty and the potential nightmare that is the dealer and spend the $200 for greaseable, AlloyUSA or Synergy chromolly ball joints. Money well spent. Should not be more than $350 labor to have a decent mechanic install them. Or you could DIY if you rent a press. About 5 hours labor for an experienced wrench.

The factory ball joints are nylon and are known to have issues even before 10k miles.

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