Got new lower ball joints. I can’t even turn the steering wheel when backing up after the new joints were put on. It is a 2 wheel drive.
new lower ball joints on front. Can't barely turn steering wheel trying to back out of garage now
My truck has 100000 miles.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
This is a common issue when new ball joints are installed and not properly aligned. I would suggest taking the truck to an alignment shop to be sure the alignment is on point. When not properly aligned, this can cause them to bind up as you describe.
One other potential problem that happens occasionally is most ball joints have an indication mark on them noting a specific orientation on them pointing the boot or base toward a specific side of the vehicle. Sometimes when this is wrong, this may also cause the same problem you describe.
If the alignment shop is unable to help you, I would recommend having an professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your steering issue and service your ball joint problem as necessary. Best of luck.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
There`s no denying that it`s very important to replace your ball joints when needed. However, it`s worth noting that doing that doesn`t necessarily mean you need an alignment. The only time you need one after replacing the ball joints is if the previous alignment was performed when ball joints were not in good shape.
Steering — Worn ball joints can affect your vehicle`s steering, usually making the steering sloppy or stiff depending on how the ball joint is wearing.
A lower ball joint replacement on that vehicle shouldn`t need an alignment afterwards, unless the current alignment was compensating for wear. In which case new lower ball joints might throw it off.
The lower ball joints are attached to the control arm and are primarily responsible for transferring loads from front tires to the axle. They also help in providing stability and accuracy when turning corners.
Why replace ball joints? Ball joints deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes, leading to a lack of lubrication. Added to this, rusting and general wear and tear also damage these suspension parts.
Test fit the new ball joint by hand to check the fit of the stud taper to the knuckle. The stud should seat firmly without rocking, and only the threads of the stud should extend through the steering knuckle.
Clunking, Rattling Noise
If the rattling is more pronounced as you go over bumps and dips in the road, then it`s almost certainly coming from a suspension problem. Over time, the sound may get louder as the ball joint wears further and becomes even looser as you drive.
Ball joints typically last 70,000 to 150,000 miles depending on their usage and road conditions. Clunking noises, poor handling, pulling, and abnormal wearing of your tires are all signs of a worn ball joint. If you see uneven tread wear patterns on your tire, you should have your ball joints checked.
Directional type ball joints must be installed in the proper orientation to function correctly. These ball joints are designed to have a certain range of motion. Generally, the swing angle of the ball joint stud travels inboard to outboard. Directional type ball joints feature an index or alignment mark on the flange.
Because the ball joint is a “directional” type (Figure 5), the swing angle of the ball joint stud is limited in its range of motion (inboard-to-outboard). Incorrect installation (i.e., orientation of the housing) could cause damage to the ball joint resulting in premature failure.
Ball joints typically cannot be replaced separately, so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. The ball joints are critical to vehicle alignment, so these control arms should also be replaced in pairs.
For driver safety, MOOG recommends that a `press-in` ball joint is only replaced on one occasion and that any subsequent repair should use a fully assembled wishbone arm.
Many ball joints may have an initial torque spec as low as 15-30 ft./lbs. and torque angles are between 140º and 225º. Never guess or try to use your calibrated elbow. Always look up the spec and use a torque wrench.
After replacing the ball joints on one or both sides you will need to get an alignment done. If you only replace one side, get the alignment done, and need to replace the other side in a month, another alignment will need to be done.
Ball joints typically cannot be replaced separately, so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. The ball joints are critical to vehicle alignment, so these control arms should also be replaced in pairs.
A ball joint replacement will typically take around one hour, but it can take less or more time depending on several factors.
Ball joints typically cannot be replaced separately, so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. The ball joints are critical to vehicle alignment, so these control arms should also be replaced in pairs.
A ball joints is made to fit tightly into its steel casing; excessive wear will allow for more room for the ball to move in the socket, which can affect wheel alignment, tire wear, and suspension noise.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Got new lower ball joints. I can’t even turn the steering wheel when backing up after the new joints were put on. It is a 2 wheel drive.
ANSWER : This is a common issue when new ball joints are installed and not properly aligned. I would suggest taking the truck to an alignment shop to be sure the alignment is on point. When not properly aligned, this can cause them to bind up as you describe.
One other potential problem that happens occasionally is most ball joints have an indication mark on them noting a specific orientation on them pointing the boot or base toward a specific side of the vehicle. Sometimes when this is wrong, this may also cause the same problem you describe.
If the alignment shop is unable to help you, I would recommend having an professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your steering issue and service your ball joint problem as necessary. Best of luck.
Steering wheel does not center
ANSWER : The problem to me sounds like you have worn out bushings that hold the power steering rack and pinion assembly. This is why your steering wheel gets off center in the direction of the turn. Have the steering inspected and the bushings replaced if they are bad. You should have no problems then.
Can you put a 2 wheel drive steering column from a 1987 Dodge Dakota fit into a 1987 4 wheel drive dodge Dakota?
ANSWER : No, these two are not the same. They often times appear very similar, however typically the spline count is different between the two.
Can front wheel drive car engine power rear wheel drive
ANSWER : Anything is possible with enough engineering. The changes you are looking at would take major structural changes and would definitely not be an easy job. You could possibly consult a manufacturing engineer to get more details on how this could actually be carried out and whether it would be feasible.
steering wheel won’t unlock my key turns only to turn lights on but that’s it can’t unlock steering wheel to start the car what to
ANSWER : The steering lock may not be unlocking either due to a faulty ignition lock housing or more commonly as the cars age a faulty spring at the steering wheel on the under side of the column. If the ignition lock housing is the issue the housing can be replaced. It s a bit tricky as the mounting bolt has break off heads and generally need to be driven out with a punch. If the lock is not disengaging because of a faulty spring on the ignition lock many owners have had the spring removed by having it drilled out of the housing. However, removing the spring may permanently disable the steering lock. The last option would be to replace the steering column. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic who can recommend the proper repair for your situation.
Loud repetitive noise coming from front tire in 2 wheel drive, goes away when in 4 wheel drive.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Chances are there was an existing issue that was amplified by the tire rotation. There are several parts that will cause similar symptoms. You will want to consider the parts that are under load in 4wd, that are free when in 2wd. This would include the axle and sveral joints. There are a couple of tests that can be done. More damage was likely done driving on dry pavement in 4wd. It was a good step in diagnostics, but should be avoided. For more help with diagnosing the sounds, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
steering wheel turned to the far right and locked in place while the wheel are straight. and I can’t turn the key.
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided, concerning your vehicle’s steering wheel is locked far right and key won’t turn with the front wheels in a forward default position, is somewhat confusing to me. It could be, undo pressure is being applied to the steering wheel lock. You could try, physically moving the left front tire side to side in either direction, to relieve the pressure on the steering wheel lock. It could be, the key you are using has a problem, try another key if available. It could be, the ignition lock cylinder is at fault. I recommend having your vehicle’s can’t turn the key be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.
I hear a whooshing sound when I turn the steering wheel. If I make a sharp turn, I hear a grinding sound coming from the back. ???
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, the rear knocking sound is caused by the driveshaft, drive axles, differential gears, transmission mount, or the rear struts. The sound you’re experiencing is very difficult to diagnose, but could be caused by the power steering shaft, or you power steering system being low on fluid. It might be a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection.
