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#56209 03/19/02 12:11 AM
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How do you tell if the ball joints are going bad? I replaced both front steering knuckle, and the car still makes that little grinding noise when making a right turn. It also hop a little bit when I make a really tight turn. My co-worker suggested that the ball joint might be bad. Can that cause the little grinding noise? I know the part is not cheap, but it's a major PITA to drill the stock ball joints out.


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#56210 03/19/02 06:09 AM
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Only way I know of checking ball joints is with a dial indicator. You have to set a jack under the suspension and pry up on the tire. Place the indicator on the knuckle and measure the socket movement when prying. Never had one make the suspension growl but a bad one will make the car wonder and "feel" funny. Also dangerous because when it wears down too far it will pop out leaving you flat on the ground. OUCH! eek

#56211 03/20/02 04:32 AM
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What are some symptoms of the ball joint going bad?


UBRF.org , Western New York's Premiere Automotive Forum.

Yeah, I got some bolt-ons.
Car Pics
Video of Brullen cat-back on a \'95 SE
How-to: Short Shifter for Pre-98 MTX

"heres the deal $2 grand buy in winner gets the cash and the girl and the respect. We'll race from 0 to Inf. until I win." - someone on the internet
#56212 03/20/02 01:28 PM
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Is it a rotational sound? If so, it may be a front wheel bearing. Ford has issues a few service messages about front wheel bearings on Contours.

A ball joint would make a creak/squeak type sound.


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