Do those balljoints look like they need replacing ? (pics)

[voivod]

hey guys,
my explorer has a very rough ride, lots of vibration and bounce on the road.
So im wondering if it could be from the ball joints .
the wheel doesnt move when held and shaken left to right ... but im just wondering if those balljoints need replacing for a better ride !




P.S: sorry about the quality of the pics, they were taken with my phone.

 

[AMMO_HOOAH]

I'm pretty sure you can't tell by looking at them unless the boot is torn or something. With the tire off the ground grab the top, and push/ pull on it. If you hear a metal on metal "tick" from it, or it moves laterally against the joint, it's bad.

 

[skoal_mint]

just jack it up about 5-6 inches with the tire on, put a long bar or 2x4 under the tire and lift up, get a friend to take a close look at your ball joint for any movement.

Most of the time its the lower ball joints that go first becase it takes all the weight.

And if its really bad yours will sound kinda like my tie-rod....but i think it good, just a cracked boot.

 

[xnetwham]

Something squeals when I turn my wheel left or right from time to time. Also I hear a squeal every bump along the way. Could this be the ball joints?

01 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

 

[voivod]

Man that video was gruesome ! it needs to have a warning for graphic content

but yeah i tried rocking my wheels and they are in place , no squeaking sound !
so i think i might just change the lower ones since they are the cheaper option !

Also i have to ask , which bushings should i change to get a smoother ride ?

 

[skoal_mint]

Well i dont know about smoother, but if you change your link bushings to the nylon type you will feel a difference.

As for my tie-rod end, i just changed it 20 minutes ago but i still got a wicked knocking sound, but i guess i needed a new one anyways