When I recently scheduled a brake job on my '99 F-150 2WD w/ 141,000 miles, the shop owner recommended that I also get the ball joints replaced on the front end. The ball joints on my truck are the sealed type without grease fittings.

My question for the forum is, if I'm not experiencing any unusual wear patterns on my front tires or any squeeks, pops, binding, alignment, steering, or handling problems, . . . why would I need to replace my ball joints??? My thoughts are, if its not broke, don't fix it.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

 

I'm fairly sure I just failed NC state inspection for the same thing. They can judge how much wheel play there is even at steeringwheel centered. I believe thats where they get this basis done. mine is lifted, hence less miles and more wear, but you sound around due for a change. I have the same though, no problems, no squeaks, no wear no nothing, but still failed. Now I gotta find out how much they cost and how hard it is to replace them :-/
~Phil
"Semper Fi"

 

All four of my ball joints were replaced under warrantly at about 60,000 miles. Your's probably have some play in them.

 

I would suggest you check them, and if worn, replace all of them. You can just about rebuild the front end of you truck for about $500.00 yourself. It beats having a ball joint or tie-rod break while driving. Then you will have to fix it because "it is broke". I replace them on my 97 F-150 at about100,000 miles and on my 01 Expy at 105,000 miles.

 

I had my '99 F-150 in the shop today for a brake job. The owner did say that I had a good bit of play in my truck's ball joints and recommended replacement ASAP. The shop was only open from 0800-1200 today and couldn't do the brakes and ball joint and get it out before they closed. I guess I'll go ahead and schedule to have those replaced also. Thanks to those who've already replied about ball joints. In fact, this is the first truck that I've owned that has had ball joints. The others were the old '67 F-100 with the Twin-I beam system, and an 4X4 with leaf springs and a solid front axle.

From what I've read on the forurm, are the Moog ball joints with the grease fittings the best to use?

Thanks!