For a Dodge Ram 2500, that veers off. Do the ball joints need to be greased or do they need to be replaced.?

Question

Alignment aside, with this make, do the ball joints automatically need to be replaced, or can they be simply greased

Answer 1

It'd help to have them greased, if they are even servicable. But to Veer off is an alignment issue. Go get an alignment, and they'll tell you exactly what you'd need to get replaced. Good luck.

Answer 2

Ball joints upper and lower or on the end of your steering arm?
Has the truck be in any accident that damaged the front end?

I'd look elsewhere for a solution to your problem.
1. I'd check my tire pressure and rotate them.
2. If ball joints are bad you are more likely to get shimmy in your steering wheel.
If your steering rod end joints are bad... you'd look like the old 1970's farmer driving down the road straight, but he is moving his steering wheel left to right like he is driving down an old country road.
3.Suspension. Anytime anything is changed, shocks/struts or your tires, I’d get an alignment. Its only 35 to 50 bucks.
4. A brake could be sticking on the side that it is veering off to. If you are in a parking lot (usually has no tire groves worn into the pavement) you can go 10 mph or so and let got of the steering wheel and brake. Your truck should stay straight. If not, then I'd get your brakes check. A splitter valve could be sticking or not working causing the brake to drag, or a caliper might be sticking.
5. Lets say if your ball joints are dry, and you grease them, all the grease is going to do is lube it, and tighten them up for a short while. The metal parts are machined to have a gap for lubricant, and when that starts to wear more and more you get play.
If you live in a small town, or have a reputable auto mechanic shop, they test drive it for you and give you possible solutions.
From the website listed below, seems that some of the durango's are having problems, it may or may not elimate your 2500 series, but you can read some of their stories to see if what you are experiencing is simliar.

Answer 3

The ball joint stem must have a hex(allen-form) recess to carry the stem at the same time as using torque to the nut. The offset on those ball joints are an alignment nightmare for fairly some the alignment shops, yet can help with the front end issues inherent in Dodges. also, evaluate making use of the Dynatrac ball joints that are re-buildable on the truck.

Answer 4

Umm neither unless they are worn out. The car veers off because its out of alignment. Ball joints are not part of the alignment. They simply act as pivot points so you can turn and the wheel can move up and down.


If they are worn the car will not hold an alignment and they would need to be replaced.

Answer 5

I would suspect other components of the suspension as well. Greasing any suspension points will not help any of them recover from looseness, its purpose is to remain tight and stable, and the grease prolongs it. Sounds to me like some things are loose and causing ur car to veer. If you dont know cars, I would heavily suggest you take it to a shop for a front and rear suspension check. there are many components on these suspension systems and if not properly lubricated, or even through normal wear, do wear out and require replacement..

Answer 6

Possible causes:
- misalignment
- severely worn tires
- brake sticking on one side.

You can check the ball joints with a quick & dirty test.
Lift the car on one side so the wheel is off the ground. Grasping the wheel with both hands, give the entire tire & wheel a good hard shake from side to side, up and down, and in & out. If you feel the wheel assembly is loose, the ball joint is probably worn out. Repeat test on the other side.

Good luck.

Answer 7

if ther got grease fittings,then they need greased,so they wont wear out so fast,but if they are worn then greasing them wont help.if they are bad,you need to replace them.veering off the road means either something is loose in the front end or it needs alighned.

Answer 8

need to be replaced with front in alignment