I noticed on Devek that one is suppost to replace the aluminum ball joints, to prevent the whole wheel assymbly from comeing off.

Is this realy neccary? While I was working on the wheel well liners, I looked them over, they LOOK OK, no cracks or anything, but...

How big a deal is this to worry about?

Thanks

 

If the picture on our web site isn't enough to convince you that you should consider changing from aluminum to steel, then don't know what to say...


<a href="http://www.devek.net/index.php?page=nfo_tech_tips" target="_blank">DEVEK Tech Tips Page</a>

Susan Thomas
DEVEK

 

Which years have aluminum joints?

 

Everything prior to VIN 92 ES 860404 in Sept 1983, which is basically early in the 1984 model year production.

Susan @ DEVEK
<a href="http://www.devek.net" target="_blank">DEVEK Home Page</a>

 

The picture is pretty graphic, but not very well explained.

Do the ball joints fail w/o warning? OR do they develop crack's first?

If I watch 'em, will I have a chance to replace them BEFORE they decided to crater compleatly?

I have an extra set of Aluminum ball joints, for free. And I'm planning to remove the foward wheels often, because about the time I get the drivering lights, and the fog lights working, it'll be time for a break job...

Thanks

 

The owner of the car was driving down I-280, about 5 miles from here, and one of her front wheels fell off. Yes, with careful monitoring you should be able to replace them before failure, but given the consequences, is it really something you want to take a chance with?



I'll put up a picture of a failed ball joint in a little bit...gotta eat some lunch first!

Susan @ DEVEK
<a href="http://www.devek.net" target="_blank">DEVEK Home Page</a>

 

OK, picture posted of an actual failed ball joint. This customer was lucky enough to be backing out of a parking spot at McDonald's when his failed. It was quite a trick getting the car loaded and unloaded off the flatbed to get it here. He was nice enough to let us keep the part so we can show folks what happens...

<a href="http://www.devek.net/index.php?page=nfo_tech_tips" target="_blank">Failed Ball Joint Picture</a>

I've left the picture fairly large so you can see the detail.

As they say...any questions?

Susan @ DEVEK
<a href="http://www.devek.net" target="_blank">DEVEK Home Page</a>

 

Well, The ball joint is fine, and there's nothing wrong with it, yet. I hate to replace things that arn't broken.

It also doesn't appere to be an easy, and quick job, so I'd prefer to save it for when I have a long peroid to work on the car. Say Christmass, or Spring Break. Ain't college great?

Unforchantly, T-belt changeing, water pump changeing, and a/c repairing are on the slate for this Christmass. Between that and fixing the interor I'm figureing I'm going to be a bit busy. It would be summer, or next year before I can get around to it, unless it's already cracked, which it's not.

 

For the sake of

- your own safety,
- the safety of others, and
- the preservation of your car (and the money you have invested in it),

you should not skip such crucial safety issues.

Again: YOU ARE PUTTING YOURSELF AND OTHERS IN DANGER!

 

I find the thought processes of someone who would put fixing the A/C at Christmas at a higher priority than a potentially life-threatening fix interesting, to say the least.

 

Well, you apperently don't live on the Texas Gulf Coast. Lack of a/c can be life threating. ;-)

Seriously, I didn't think it was that important. Apperently the car has run this long with it like it is, they don't appere to be in bad shape, why wouldn't it run for a while longer? There are at least a few cars that have run for a good while, without undue problems.

Apperently, I was wrong. This will be placed up in my list, right on top with the T-belt/waterpump job.

Thanks, my prioritys have been properly rearranged.

 

As a note, visual inspection won't help much. These look like they begin their fatigue failure process from the inside. You could do x-ray analysis...

 

Just wanted to post my $9.28 worth. I had drivers side aluminum ball joint fail and it's not a fun experience. Yes, they will fail without warning, and yes, they can do so in a low mileage car in good condition. (Mine just turned 60k)
Luckily, I was only going about 20mph taking a tight turn. I heard a boom, and the car just grinded to a hault. Tire smoke everywhere!
Luckily, I had by DFW 928 possee with me and was able to get help from Sterling G. and Randy Grubbs. They saved my A%$!!
My advice to anyone out there who has not replaced them is to do it now!! It's not worth puting yourself or other drivers in danger.

BTW, I live in Dallas where it is pretty damn hot and my AC is out as well. I'd still go with the ball joints first!!!!

 

Deffently ain't going to do no X-rayin'! too much money.

Well, we'll start this soon. Maybe a 3 day weekend ine a few weeks.

Thanks.

 

Just be sure you have a suitable ball joint separator tool before you start. You can probably get away without replacing the shock mount plate - the new one just has shorter bolts on it - make sure you dont run out of thread because the steel carrier is thinner.
Mine has only 44k on it, and no visible wear, but I did them anyway. My wrench says he has done 30 of them over the years, mostly after unexpected failure.
jp