Well had my ball joints done at 13K. Now at 24K and they are shot again. If I put a pry bar under the tire I get about 1/8" of movement in them and a faint clicking.

Called the dealer, and they are telling me some play in the ball joints is normal. I am assuming that amount is not acceptable however. Looks like i will be fighting them on warranty. (what else is new).

Am I correct in saying that 1/8" of VISUAL play is not normal?

Also would bad ball joints cause poor steering and knocking over bumps?

How is it possible for them to go bad this soon? I have not taken them offroad, could a bad alignment be causing them to go? I do live in a state that uses salt and I am running a steel wheel/tire combo that are about 77 lbs. each..

Finally, does anyone know when those Duratrac ball joints are going to be available?

 

There is a little play in mine as well. It doesn't seem to be causing any trouble. I'm at 23K.

 

Maybe I dont know what I am talking about but from my understanding larger wheels/tires cause additional strain on the suspension components of a vehicle causing them to wear quicker.

The worn out ball joints will likely lead to alignment issues and sloppy handing from my understanding.

Also, if you are not running factory wheels/tires for you Jeep, good luck getting them to cover the issue under warranty.

 

From the factory service manual:

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).

 

A nearby dealer will replace bad ball joints even if you are lifted. They claim that you must have at least 3/32nds play in them though as they send all the bad ball joints back to chrysler at chryslers request.
I can't validate how true that statement is as it was simply what the service writer told me, but if it is true it may be leading to a future recall. Either way some dealers are more acceptable to moddified rigs than others.

 

I am running stock size wheels and tires but the rims are aftermarket steel and are heavy.

When you say alignment issues I assume you mean camber, which will be fixed after replacing the ball joints. It won't do permanent damage will it?

 

I would have the inspect the tie rod ends as well if they should replace the ball joints on the lower control arms just for safety.

 

Damn hellbound, not gettin much mileage outta your balls, I'd be pissed too.

 

Huh???

 

check out this link, if anything might give u more knowledge on ball joints

http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/116

edit: sorry moderators, hope it was ok to post the link, not trying to advertise for that company or anything, just some info on ball joints.