Images Of Worn Lower Strut Ball Joint
10-01-11, 11:53 AM
#1
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Images Of Worn Lower Strut Ball Joint
FYI.
These images show the bad state that one of my ball joints was in. The boot was split for who knows how many years. Note the corrosion/abrasion of the ball. This condition caused a mega vibration at speed.
Babbs
These images show the bad state that one of my ball joints was in. The boot was split for who knows how many years. Note the corrosion/abrasion of the ball. This condition caused a mega vibration at speed.
Babbs
10-01-11, 06:34 PM
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How true. I actually did my first ever track session with this joint. The funny thing is that the vibration didn't occur on that day (I was getting up to 170 KPH at the end of the straight) and I didn't realize anything was wrong. The vibration started a few days later while driving on the highway at about 100 KPH. I think the track day pushed it over the edge. I checked the vertical play in it before the track day and I recall it being OK. After the vibration showed up, I checked it again and had 3-4 mm play!!! The crack in the boot was subtle and hidden from a casual inspection. Once I removed the joint evrything was obvious.
Babbs
Babbs
10-01-11, 06:48 PM
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I had the same thing on my Vert.
Bad shaking at speed,and I had checked everything.
I knew it had to be something on the passenger side but I couldn't figure it out,so I just kept at that side,re-packing bearings,tie rod,and then went to do the ball joint and Bam!,finally found it.
Mine you could move around like a drunk sailor!,But it never had up/down play.
Bad shaking at speed,and I had checked everything.
I knew it had to be something on the passenger side but I couldn't figure it out,so I just kept at that side,re-packing bearings,tie rod,and then went to do the ball joint and Bam!,finally found it.
Mine you could move around like a drunk sailor!,But it never had up/down play.
10-02-11, 03:15 AM
#6
Date Time Original: 2011:10:01 10:26:50
Exposure Time: 1/60
F Number: 5.6
Exposure Program: Normal program
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode, return light detected
Focal Length: 85
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D300
Exposure Time: 1/60
F Number: 5.6
Exposure Program: Normal program
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode, return light detected
Focal Length: 85
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D300
10-02-11, 09:31 AM
#7
Date Time Original: 2011:10:01 10:26:50
Exposure Time: 1/60
F Number: 5.6
Exposure Program: Normal program
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode, return light detected
Focal Length: 85
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D300
Exposure Time: 1/60
F Number: 5.6
Exposure Program: Normal program
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode, return light detected
Focal Length: 85
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D300
also, HOLY CRAP, that balljoint was fucked! good thing you caught it when you did
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10-02-11, 11:26 AM
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If you look closely at the stud and ball picture, you can see a corrision ring near top of the ball. That area was probably exposed to water the most once the boot failed. Shows the power of rust. Like CV joint boots, as soon as you notice one cracked, one should replace the part.
I do feel lucky that it didn't fail on the track.
Babbs
I do feel lucky that it didn't fail on the track.
Babbs
10-02-11, 08:05 PM
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If you look closely at the stud and ball picture, you can see a corrision ring near top of the ball. That area was probably exposed to water the most once the boot failed. Shows the power of rust. Like CV joint boots, as soon as you notice one cracked, one should replace the part.
I do feel lucky that it didn't fail on the track.
Babbs
I do feel lucky that it didn't fail on the track.
Babbs
10-02-11, 08:10 PM
#10
I just changed mine today. 150k on the chassis and the grease in the "sealed" units looked like grey paste and felt gritty. My boots were in no way bad looking, but there was about 1/4"-1/2" vertical play when pried on. They were causing a wicked steering wheel shake at highway speed and popping at parking lot speeds.
10-08-11, 02:05 PM
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I haven't felt a wobble during the conditions that you describe. I only felt the vibration at 100+ kph (60+mph) while going in a straigt line. Not sure why the vibration started under those conditions. Natural harmonics of systems are quite complicated in my mind.
Babbs
PS. If you suspect the ball joints, put the car up on stands and test the joints for vertical movement. There shouldn't be any.
Babbs
PS. If you suspect the ball joints, put the car up on stands and test the joints for vertical movement. There shouldn't be any.
10-08-11, 02:16 PM
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I haven't felt a wobble during the conditions that you describe. I only felt the vibration at 100+ kph (60+mph) while going in a straigt line. Not sure why the vibration started under those conditions. Natural harmonics of systems are quite complicated in my mind.
Babbs
PS. If you suspect the ball joints, put the car up on stands and test the joints for vertical movement. There shouldn't be any.
Babbs
PS. If you suspect the ball joints, put the car up on stands and test the joints for vertical movement. There shouldn't be any.
10-20-11, 04:54 PM
#16
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The most common thing causing shallow turn steering wheel shake and low speed what seems like "pulsing" when turning is a bent rim. Not the only cause, but common. Look to the inside bead while turning the wheel.
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