dukeofmuffins
New Member
- Joined
- April 24, 2009
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Novi, MI
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2001 XLS 4.0 SOHC 4x4
So I'm looking at my Lower Ball Joints on my 2001 explorer, due to an occasional groaning sound I hear sporadically during various turns. I didn't think it was power steering related, as the groan is occasional, and happens at different rpms, and usually when I turn right.
The passenger side LBJ appears to be in good shape. Topped off the grease, wiped off what squeezed out. Onto the driver side, I'm a bit curious. The cup (forgive me if my terminology is off btw) doesn't appear to be firmly gripping anything topside. I mean it covers the ball joint completely, hell you can't even pull it back enough to see anything. Its just obviously not gripping anything on.
I guess my question is, is that a normal way for a ball joint to appear? Like a different style than my passenger side? It holds grease. The grease I pumped out was really dirty though, so I'm wondering if that means mud and crap got in there and ruined it. I don't know if the description helps, but if you want pics I can try and find a camera.
Also, do you guys think that a bad LBJ could cause that groaning? And are they the type of part you should replace in pairs? Any thoughts are really appreciated.
I am incredibly paranoid about any new noise my car develops.
-Graham
Novi, MI
The passenger side LBJ appears to be in good shape. Topped off the grease, wiped off what squeezed out. Onto the driver side, I'm a bit curious. The cup (forgive me if my terminology is off btw) doesn't appear to be firmly gripping anything topside. I mean it covers the ball joint completely, hell you can't even pull it back enough to see anything. Its just obviously not gripping anything on.
I guess my question is, is that a normal way for a ball joint to appear? Like a different style than my passenger side? It holds grease. The grease I pumped out was really dirty though, so I'm wondering if that means mud and crap got in there and ruined it. I don't know if the description helps, but if you want pics I can try and find a camera.
Also, do you guys think that a bad LBJ could cause that groaning? And are they the type of part you should replace in pairs? Any thoughts are really appreciated.
I am incredibly paranoid about any new noise my car develops.
-Graham
Novi, MI
