Thought I'd share my little adventure last night.
The wife, kids, and I had left my in-laws house (we had a late thanksgiving with them over the weekend) Saturday night. We were getting on the interstate in a fairly large town about 35 miles away. As soon as we got on the ramp I heard a loud BOOM, then the right front side felt like it was on the ground. My first thought was "the front tire popped". We weren't going maybe 35-45mph, so there was no loss of control, just a harsh ride and grinding noise. I immediately pulled off the ramp onto the grass.
At this point I'm ok. Tire popped, no big deal. Being on the front is a bit of a plus, since I can put my under-sized spare on without swapping any of the full-size tires around (which I would have to do if a rear tire popped). I get out, walk around to the other side, and I almost cry. The top of the front tire is leaning into the truck. After the initial shock subsides, I call the in-laws, who get on their way to come swap vehicles with us, then I get my flashlight (streamlight PolyStinger btw), and look under the front of the truck.
The upper balljoint separated. As far as I could tell, there was no other damage. The CV, lower balljoint, and steering linkage were all still attached, and the CV boots looked to be in good condition. Of course there's no telling what else is really damaged until a mechanic gets into it. If I'm remembering correctly, I had both front upper balljoints replaced less than a year ago with Moog parts, but I'll have to verify it.
Warranty should cover the balljoint and labor, and I'm looking into my auto insurance for covering the $160-$200 towing charge.
Now for one small question: Is there anything specific that I could've done or not done to cause this? My thinking is that the part was either defective, or worn out, but I'm not sure.
Fun times on the Interstate onramp
Moderator: F9K9
Fun times on the Interstate onramp
--Walt
2001 S-10 CrewCab - Retired...
2001 S-10 CrewCab - Retired...
- F9K9
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I really don't know what you could have done, Walt. I'm just glad no one was hurt. Photos would help but, probably not possible. That tow bill sounds bad though.
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- 04crewvt
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Yikes !! Glad you were not at highway speed that could have been bad news. Tow bill is a drag, I have had AAA+ for 11 years now and it has been worth every penny. Towing up to 100 miles ,gas delivery just in case and the regular jump start services.I have used it on every vehicle I have owned for those years except for the crew so far so it really has been cost effective.
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Green 2004 ZR-5 w/ too much to list here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2296465[/size]
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- killian96ss
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Wow, that sucks , but at least you and your family are safe which is all that really matters here even if you are pissed and your wallet is a little lighter.
I'm sure you have already realized that a failure like this could have been much worse.
Have you looked at the broken ball joint yet?
Is the BJ cotter pin & nut still attached?
Did the BJ stud snap in half, or did the BJ break in some other way?
If the cotter pin and nut are still attached and the BJ itself snapped then you might have a shot at warranty replacement, however if the nut and cotter pin are gone then it would most likely be your fault which means it is usually harder to get it replaced under warranty.
You might still get the warranty replacement even if it is your fault (just don't admit fault).
Any pictures of the BJ yet?
Steve
I'm sure you have already realized that a failure like this could have been much worse.
Have you looked at the broken ball joint yet?
Is the BJ cotter pin & nut still attached?
Did the BJ stud snap in half, or did the BJ break in some other way?
If the cotter pin and nut are still attached and the BJ itself snapped then you might have a shot at warranty replacement, however if the nut and cotter pin are gone then it would most likely be your fault which means it is usually harder to get it replaced under warranty.
You might still get the warranty replacement even if it is your fault (just don't admit fault).
Any pictures of the BJ yet?
Steve
- purduecrew
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well, I didnt break mine in half, but mine started making a horrible squeak and the wheel "pops" now, especially turning the wheel...I have a 190 mile drive tommorow, think it would be safe? Mostly interstate.
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