I drive a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. It has 88000 miles on it. For the past week there has been alot of noise coming from the front drivers side. Now, it only happens when I'm turing the wheel or when I'm stopping. The noise is pretty loud. I was told it is the Ball Joints? How long do they last after they start making noise? I don't have the money to replace them right away...
2007-03-20 10:42:37 · 9 answers · asked by Ashley 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
They should be replaced as soon as you can but if you are tight for cash just watch how you drive. Watch the bumps and holes and don't go on any long trips.
2007-03-20 10:47:10 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just yesterday, I changed out the "hub assembly" for my son's 2000 Montaineer (Explorer from Mercury) with driver's side noises from clicks to pop and bird chirping souds, The bearing had gone bad and the whole assembly had to be replaced. It is not a difficulty job but the price I paid was 400 dollars for the part.
This part is easy to check; just jack up the car and if the wheel wobbles in all directions, it is the bearing.
If the CV joints in the axle are bad, the wheel will not wobble but the joints will "clunk" when you turn the wheel.
I have never heard ball joint noises.
Old Ford racer
2007-03-22 12:59:43 · answer #2 · answered by a simple man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it a popping sound or a clicking/grinding sound? It could be a ball joint or pit arm (if it's a popping sound) or a drive shaft if it's a clicking/grinding sound. With OEM parts you never can tell how long they'll last. I have a 2001 Lightning and the ball joint broke around 60k miles. I'd take it to a mechanic someone in your family knows or to a reputable dealer.
2007-03-20 17:52:48 · answer #3 · answered by A.B. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is your drivers side drive axle, not your ball joints. Ball joints will not make noise. If you get under the truck you will be able to see a tear in the rubber boot, turn the wheel till it shows up you'll find it. The noise is the loose ball bearings that have been contaminated by road dirt and the axle grease is now gone or will be soon. EASY FIX, do it your self and save hundreds.
2007-03-20 17:48:08 · answer #4 · answered by Papa Joe 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Ball joints wear quickly on rough roads, if the car was bought new and never been changed, they're probably worn out, or at least some of them
2007-03-20 19:09:04 · answer #5 · answered by kayef57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you will hear noise from bad ball joints.
jack up your end and wiggle your tire from top to bottom, it shouldnt wiggle, if it does buy some ball joints.
2007-03-20 19:18:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the car. It will last for a bit tho. Don't drive crazy tho. Take it easy on turns and don't do burnouts.
2007-03-20 17:46:52 · answer #7 · answered by Nickle 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Shoulda got a Dodge
2007-03-20 17:45:32 · answer #8 · answered by sofa_king_rare 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
if your car is Front wheel drive, i think the sound is from your driveshaft..
2007-03-20 17:50:11 · answer #9 · answered by theblues79 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋