Quote:
Originally Posted by BillGrissom
No way to tell if the ball joint is worn from the photo in post 1. Rubber boots often slide up like that when the front wheel is hanging. Typically, loose ball joints cause a "cupping" wear of the tires (Google Images).
You need to use a pry bar to see if there is any noticeable play in it. If you see the boot torn, replace it since required to keep water and dirt out. Also squirt in new grease. If no fitting for that, there are syringes for a lube gun. To replace the boot, you must pull the b.j. stud out of the spindle. I used a pickle fork - had to buy one w/ narrower opening ($10 O'Reilly's) and cut the tips off so they didn't bottom out on the spindle behind it. A re-boot (polyurethane is best) is much simpler than replacing the ball joint (many posts).
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Over here they have stopped selling the boots. They say it is for "safety reasons". I think it is for profit reasons...
...unfortunately in my experience a broken boot does indeed mean nadgered ball joint but like you say checking is always worth while
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