General Maintenance
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Frank
- Frankie BSJ Member
- Posts: 4145
- Joined: Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:54 am
- Jeep Year: 1974
- Jeep Model: CJ5
General Maintenance
Has anyone ever changed ball joints just because they are ten yrs. old ? I have the front end torn down for the power steering stuff and brakes. Im considering doing the ball joints as they are ten yrs. old. Im a freak about maintenance and there is not a time Ive wheeled her without a full grease job afterward . Even on our two day events.They appear to be fine , and both upper and lower are grease-able. Would anyone know where I can get a stud kit instead of bolts for the lock in hubs. They always come loose. Im told the stud kit would eliminate this issue. Thanks FjR68
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BlackNBlue-ISH
- BSJ Member
- Posts: 1824
- Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2014 12:25 pm
- Jeep Year: 2005
- Jeep Model: TJ Wrangler
- Real Name: Daniel or "ish"
- Location: Manchester, NH
Re: General Maintenance
I've never changed ball joints. Is there a way to measure to see if they've worn at all? If they are anything like u-joints in that from what i've read, if you keep them greased, they will last a lifetime, then you may not need to change them. On the other hand, if you question the wear on them, since you have them accessible, and you have the ability, and you have the coin for the new ones, sure, go for it.
2005 TJ, built and beat accordingly
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Kurt
- BSJ Member
- Posts: 4209
- Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 11:53 am
- Jeep Year: 1992
- Jeep Model: YJ Wrangler
- Real Name: Kurt K.
- Location: Pepperell, MA
Re: General Maintenance
I've never done them until 1 or more started to get some play in them.
IMO if your's don't have any play in them and you've been religious about greasing then I'd say keep running them.
IMO if your's don't have any play in them and you've been religious about greasing then I'd say keep running them.
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Frank
- Frankie BSJ Member
- Posts: 4145
- Joined: Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:54 am
- Jeep Year: 1974
- Jeep Model: CJ5
Re: General Maintenance
There is no play that I can perceive . Every time we wheel I lube everything. Cant tell ya how many guys borrowed the grease gun in Canada ! Never lost a ball or U-joint . Ive always said , grease is cheap. I have a complete set and carry one upper and lower as spares. Got the box drilled and tapped ! Its gonna snow sat. so I will be able to purchase the ram and hoses next week. Then on to some electrical switches that have stopped working and new freekin gas gauge ! I have to pull the dash to work back there so Im going to put in a new speedo head also. That will be different ! Dan 
If you jack your tire 1" off the ground and use a prybar or something. Put it under the tire and lift up. You will see the tire move if you have a ball joint thats bad. It will be able to move in and out at the top of the tire or just straight up and down. Have some one else do the moving and watch the ball joints. With the Jeep on the ground have someone move the steering wheel back and forth , not much and while your under there you look at each tie rod end and you can see them move or if they have play. FjR68
If you jack your tire 1" off the ground and use a prybar or something. Put it under the tire and lift up. You will see the tire move if you have a ball joint thats bad. It will be able to move in and out at the top of the tire or just straight up and down. Have some one else do the moving and watch the ball joints. With the Jeep on the ground have someone move the steering wheel back and forth , not much and while your under there you look at each tie rod end and you can see them move or if they have play. FjR68