Upper ball joints knackered?

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4v8s
POC Newbie
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:04 pm
Year: 1977
Model: Firebird Formula
Engine: 403
Name: Aaron
Location: Kingston, Surrey
Contact:

Upper ball joints knackered?

Post by 4v8s » Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:01 pm

Does anyone know if it is normal to get some free play on the upper ball joints when the car is jacked up so supension is hanging?

when I had it MOTd I had an advisory on the front bearings so I was checking them and I decided it wasnt the bearings but there seems quite a lot of free play on the upper balljoint.

when the MOT test was done it was under its own weight so maybe then you cant see any movement.

Is this normal or should I change the upper ball joints?

having said that, I also tried jacking under the spring cup of the lower arm to raise the wheel off the ground and there was still some play in the upper balljoint. They are still riveted to the arms so may well be the originals. If so then no wonder they may need changing as the car has done 225000 miles

ta
Pontiac Firebird 403 Formula - 1977
Ford Mustang Convertible 289 - 1967
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 350 - 1974
MG ZT 260 V8 SE - 2004 (Daily driver)
Rover 214Si 16V - 1994 (daily hack - owned since 1995!)

SUPERCHARGEDGTA

Re: Upper ball joints knackered?

Post by SUPERCHARGEDGTA » Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:56 pm

no, there should not be play in them
bloody MOT testers ::) :oldevil:

4v8s
POC Newbie
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:04 pm
Year: 1977
Model: Firebird Formula
Engine: 403
Name: Aaron
Location: Kingston, Surrey
Contact:

Re: Upper ball joints knackered?

Post by 4v8s » Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:22 pm

ok thanks, thought so.

ordered some off t'internet £40 the pair.
Pontiac Firebird 403 Formula - 1977
Ford Mustang Convertible 289 - 1967
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 350 - 1974
MG ZT 260 V8 SE - 2004 (Daily driver)
Rover 214Si 16V - 1994 (daily hack - owned since 1995!)

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