help identify this part

[signalnc]

the part that is right over the tire. It is loose.Is that an upper ball joint?

 

[Blckshdw]

Yes, the part immediately above the tire in your pic, is the upper ball joint.

 

[Mounce]

Yup, upper ball joint. And it is due for replacement, the boot is torn.

 

[signalnc]

ok thanks. I looked on Oreilly's, they have 2--one is $22 the other is $90--big difference in price. Anyone know why?

 

[Blckshdw]

OEM vs aftermarket? Upper vs lower?

 

[signalnc]

one is a moog--$94, the other is a masterpro, $22--both say lower...not sure other than the moog is better. Autozone has 2 also, $19 (valucraft) and $46(duralast).

 

[Blckshdw]

The one in your pic is the upper ball joint. So be careful

 

[Mounce]

Moog is the crazy expensive brand as you see but are supposed to be the best. Like stated, you're looking for upper ball joints, not lower, they're completely different.

 

[djthumper]

If your upper ball joint is like that you need to check your upper control arms as well.

 

[coolasice]

Moog k6664 $51 at amazon with free ship...

 

[smt 59]

Moog is my choice just shop around for pricing, check the rest of the front end while your at it, you may need additional work.

 

[signalnc]

thanks for all the input.

 

[signalnc]

this will be my first attempt at changing a ball joint. is this video good to use as a guide?

 

[xavierny25]

That video is pretty dead on. I to used it as a guild when I did mine. In the video he wrote on the screen to use a socket to keep the top half of the ball joint as straight as possible. Do just that if not the ball joint removal tool will be all over the place and you scratch you fender. Believe me I know the hard way. I didn't have an impact wrench like he does in the video so I used a half inch ratchet. I also used WD40 once I removed the c clip on the top and hit it with a hammer a few times just to wake things up. Also be 100% sure when installing that the ball joint is going in perfectly straight. This is very important. If not you be buying new upper control arms.

 

[signalnc]

ok thanks. I am planning on doing it tomorrow.

 

[signalnc]

I got one side done. The only question I have is about the axle. When putting it back in it didn't seem like it was in as deep as when I took it out. Will tightening the nut pull it back in tighter?