Balljoints?

[kbd2000]

So I just left the dealership and they are going to replace my balljoints under warranty but the guy said he probably shouldn't do it under warranty because of my tires. I was just wondering if in fact my tires really can cause problems. I have the PA 2" BL and 31" Mud Terrains.

Cliff notes: What causes pre-mature balljoint wear?

Thanks!
Kent

[barch97]

What causes pre-mature balljoint wear?

um... the additional weight and lateral torque caused by driving on heavier oversized tires.

[kbd2000]

Thanks! I know virtually nothing about suspension components so I was just curious.

[barch97]

no, I just made that up. sounded pretty good though, didn't it?


The most common cause of failure is lack of proper lubrication. oversized tires probably effect it but, if you're still under warranty... well, they shouldn't effect it that much that fast.

[Mat73GNZ]

I also had my balljoints replaced. They were making a poping noise at about 45 or 50 miles (first week I bought the truck!) I took it in and they replaced both sides with the newer bolt in kind and haven't had a problem with them in about 40k miles. The service guy told me they have been having problems with the balljoints on these S-10's. At least it was fixed under waranty.

!M!

[HenryJ]

I too have had ball joints replaced under warranty.

The Tech doing the installation tried the line..." These oversized tires probably caused the premature failure", I replied "Hmmm, well it is the same size the comes stock on the ZR2 models and they are having the same ball joint problems. I am very sure that it is a problem with the ball joints themselves." "Why would GM redesign the replacement ball joints if there was no problem with the OEM ball joints?"
I asked them if they would mind if I disassembled the bad ball joint, and they agreed, but had to have it to turn in for the waranteed part.
I then proceeded to destroy, err, ummm...disassemble the ball from it's socket.
Once disassembled it was obvious what the problem could be. The ball has a rough texture, not a smooth finish with lubricating grooves like many of the aftermarket parts are designed.
The only thing that I can surmise is that this rough surface was to retain the grease, but instead wore the socket rather rapidly , and even quicker without sufficient lubrication. It must have been less expensive to build them this way.

"Just plain poorly designed." , I said.

The Tech pretty much shut up at that point.