Upper control arms, or tie rod ends?

[mridings]

Okay, so I jacked the front drivers side up ('97 XLT 4x4) to try and pin down what makes the clunking noise in my front end as it hits bumps big or little... (I just replaced the shocks last week, because who knew how many miles they had...)

If I push the wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock there is some play and a definite noise at it hits a stop point. I thought it was tie rod ends until I banged my hand a little on the upper control arm. It definitely has play when jacked up and makes a noise if you just bang it with your fist WHEN JACKED UP. Should it do this? I banged the UCA with my fist with the wheel down, and it doesnt make any noticeable noise.

I did look at the online repair guides and searched the forums, I just want to know if when jacked up the UCA should have some play and be clunky when whacked, or should it be rock solid even when up in the air? Thanks in advance

 

[Hartman]

Sounds like your upper balljoint is shot, hence the play in the upper control arm. The famous "clunking" sound and a weird noise when turning is a telltale sign of worn out balljoints. I am in the same boat as you are.

 

[mridings]

thanks

I dont have any of the telltale "squeaking" which I thought was a giveaway for ball joints, (just clunking I would call minor) when going over bumps... If the freaking snow would ever stop here in Mass. I might get a chance to work on the thing 2 days in row!!!

 

[mridings]

bump

 

[Hartman]

Mine started clunking at first, no squeeking when turning, but now they squeek like a ***** over bumps and squeek when turning.

 

[james t]

its the balljoint in the upper. also, you have to replace the entire control arm. the balljoint will not press out. might as well do the other side while you're at it, as its proly on its way too.

 

[mridings]

just want to know ..,

I just want to know if when jacked up the Upper Control Arm should have some play and be clunky when whacked, or should it be rock solid even when up in the air? Thanks in advance

 

[james t]

it should be rock solid with no play whatsoever.

 

[mridings]

thanks

Thats what I thought of course, but I wanted to at least think I was sure.

 

[guilliefresh]

How much on average would replacing the control arms cost cuz i need that done also but im not handy to do it myself.