My 97 F150 4X4 X-cab is in the shop for replacement of the front tie rods as the left side (upper and lower) just came lose and fell off while backing up. The dealer said my ball joints are getting tight and needed replacement. My question is do ball joints get tight ? I have about 110,000 miles and if anything they would get loose not tight. Any comments on the joints or tie rod issue would be helpful.

 

If my mechanic told me that my ball joints were getting tight, a red flag would go up immediately. Tie rods and ball joints start out tight and get LOOSE over time.

 

Ditto that max. Ball joints loosen up not tighten. He is blowing smoke up you. However if your tie rods were so bad that they fell off, it probably wouldn't hurt to change out the ball joints while you are there.

Ive seen some pretty messed up tie rods but have yet to have on just fall off on me, kind of scary if you ask me.

kev

 

i had to replace my lower ball joints at 40,000 they were anything but tight. they said they just dry out so i had grease fittings with the new ones.

 

Thanks for the info, I also thought the Dealer was full of BS when he said they were tight as they get looser with use not tighter. I did not have them replaced but from the replies it seems to be something that will need to be done. My total bill for the tie rod links was about $600 with the tow. I had both sides, upper and lower replaced as I would hate to have this happen again going down the road at 70mph.