Front end wander.

[George B]

Be nice if you shared a printout of the alignment numbers.

 

[OR VietVet]

Be nice if you shared a printout of the alignment numbers.

I should have asked the same thing. Taking to the shops for alignment that, "set the toe and let it go", can contribute to the problems.

 

[grouch]

I should have asked the same thing. Taking to the shops for alignment that, "set the toe and let it go", can contribute to the problems.

The last shop said everything was a breeze except the camber and caster adjustments on the upper control arm so I know the front got an actual alignment. Today, I couldn't get all the tape off after painting the truck so I used it for a parts run. It hadn't had it before but it feels like a bad ball joint. There's a sort of drop and swoop feeling lower ball joints give. Definitely there. I've got a pair each of upper and lower ball joints on order.

As for slop and play in the steering, there isn't any. It drives as tight as my '16 Mazda. Everything but the ball joints is new. The rag joint (yes, I'm old and call it that) is in good shape.

I'm selling the truck so I'd just as soon let the next owner get the tires he (or she) wants. The back ones are new and ran me nearly $900 as they are 10 ply heavy duty tires.

 

[OR VietVet]

The best way to check the ball joints, IMO, is the obvious you can see with loaded under the lower control arm and check play with a pry bar and I also like to disconnect the outer tie rod and then see how easily you can grab the tire at 3&6 and see how much effort it takes to turn the wheel left and right. A tight ball joint showing no play with a pry bar can still have a binding problem.

So, to get an answer, did you get a before and after print out for the alignment?

 

[George B]

I would think a shop would have caught a bad ball joint when doing an alignment.

 

[OR VietVet]

It depends on how thorough that shop is. If you have a problem vehicle and the alignment readings look good, then you have to get creative. Like my tie rod disconnect. I have assumed before and wished I hadn't.

 

[George B]

It depends on how thorough that shop is. If you have a problem vehicle and the alignment readings look good, then you have to get creative. Like my tie rod disconnect. I have assumed before and wished I hadn't.

The shop I work with (also one I worked for in the past) will not only find them but indicate by measurement how much they move if loose. Going there is like going to the dentist. You just hope against hope everything is ok and they don't find loose parts. I always do a shake down before I go.

 

[OR VietVet]

I see what you are saying but a binding ball joint may have no play. I was taught a long time ago. It is just how a-n-a-l I can be sometimes when inspecting for a problem.

 

[George B]

I see what you are saying but a binding ball joint may have no play. I was taught a long time ago. It is just how a-n-a-l I can be sometimes when inspecting for a problem.

I agree and have experienced them too. Usually they pull one way then the other when corrected. A good shop will find them too when they do a “sweep” and one hangs.

 

[grouch]

During the pandemic, the best shop in town closed up when the owner spent several weeks in the hospital. He still isn't 100% so he has basically retired. The ones left, deal mostly with routine alignments on newer vehicles.

Like I said earlier, I finally got the feeling of a failing lower ball joint under motion. I've got new ones on order and when I get back from a short trip, I'll pop them in. I've even checked the rear shackles and spring leafs.