Ball joint creak

carbuff

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So, the PS ball joint on my 98 v6 started creaking. I inspected it and found that its the sealed type and the boot was ripped. I sprayed some white lithium grease inside the ripped boot and now its quiet again. I realize that I will have to replace this soon. Do you think its safe to drive this? I jacked up under the control arm and there is no play at all in the joint. It just started creaking a couple of weeks ago. I used the lithium grease as Ive read that other oils actually ruin the joint.
 
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carbuff

carbuff

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I just dont have the time in my upcoming schedule. Im not planning on forgetting about it. I just need an extra few weeks before I can get to it. Im thinking it will be fine but just checking with others as this seems to be a common issue with these sealed ball joints that cant be greased. Someone did my ds already and used a greasable unit which is what I will use. Most likely moog.
 

the5.ohh

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You're essentially putting a band aid on something that requires staples to fix. Change it soon, because if that balljoint goes, you'll really have a headache.
 

rz5.0

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Jack up your car. check for play If it has no play you will be fine..

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carbuff

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Yeah, theres no play. If there was, I wouldnt drive it.
 

JPhilBradley

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Realize that it's creaking because the boot is torn and all the grease has leaking out. The creaking is metal on metal contact in the absence of grease. The ball joint is going to wear at a much accelerated rate and will likely develop play in the coming weeks/months.


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Justang

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I questioned the same thing on mine for days...weeks...months...then it fell apart in my driveway! I was very lucky given my stupidity. Please take my example and learn from it.
 
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carbuff

carbuff

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Got the part in the mail today. I wont get to it til I get home from vacation next week. Dont worry, not driving it on vacation. Its a second vehicle.
 

grilla

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I would replace them ASAP. My ball joints were doin same thing n i just kept puttin it off til 1 day it snapped on me smh, luckly i was in a friends driveway. i didnt know what happened. All b of a sudden the front of my car on the pass side just fell to the ground. I didnt know what happened n then i jacked it up n realize that my ball joint snapped in half on me. So if i was u i would do them ASAP

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