85fortheDrive

I have planned to join some WI Rennlisters at Road America over the long weekend. Still plan to do so. The shark will not be in the equation, however, because I'm concerned about an inconsistent but very noticeable knocking that I'm hearing from the front driver's side wheel well area. This knocking is most commonly heard when I apply the brakes. The harder I push the brake pedal, the more likely it is that I hear the noise. I have also heard the knocking when turning at slow speeds.

A couple of weeks ago, I changed the brake pads on all four wheels. I have inspected my work on the front left wheel, but the pads seem fine. I do note that when I tug upwards on the A arm, there is a small clunk produced by a minimal shifting of this piece. I'm not sure if that's normal or not.

Meanwhile, a local mechanic has suggested that I need new lower ball joints. Would old ball joints cause knocking? Is this a potentially dangerous situation? The mechanic told me that if the ball joint fails, the wheel could come off.

Still learning here, and happy to be taught.

Thanks so much,
Tim

SteveG

Well, ball joints are a safety issue. Should not affect your '84, but there was a recall on earlier aluminum ball joints involving what your mechanic said. I would attend to the ball joint immediately. If the control arm has a clunk associated with it, I would think that may be the source. Could be 1 or 2 issues here.

85fortheDrive

Steve:

Thanks.

BALL JOINT: How would I know if the ball joints are actually bad? THe aforementioned mechanic has quoted me $800 to do the lower ball joints in front and the susequent alignment. I know I can get the parts for $250 through a Rennlist sponsor and do the work, but I'd still like to know with greater certainty that they are shot.

Interesting about the aluminum ball joints on the early models.

CONTROL ARM: I'll check the other wheel to see if the same noise is produced. Simple scientific method, I suppose.

Peace,
Tim

nosnow

if there is movement it sounds like it is ball joint time. I am not sure about the safety issues on your car but on the aluminum joints when they fail the hub will seperate from the control arm. I've been told this usually only happens when doing u-turns or tight parking space moves. Anyway you go it is cheaper to replace the joint than deal with all the items that get broken when the joint fails. If you don't have aluminum be happy I was just quoted 1200.00 for parts & labor (Looks like I'm going to be learning about balljoint replacement).

Courtshark

This may be a stoopid question, but do you happen to have floating rotors? My 87 came with them, so I didn't know they were there. The car made this horrible clunking sound, but only under braking. Car stopped fine every time so I never thought it was the brakes. Replaced the rotors while swapping the big reds of it into my 88, and vice versa... no more clunking.

Otherwise, yes, ball joint. But that should make noise all the time... not just under braking.

85fortheDrive

Paul:

Hey, the more the merrier. Lower ball joints are about $120 each. To be sure, an alignment will be needed after replacing them, but I figure if you and I can do the install work, we can find some fun ways to spend the rest of the $1200 you were quoted and the $800 I was quoted. :thumbup".