Suspension Issues October 30, 2011, 08:37:01 PM Hey, looking for any ideas on what damaged parts I have. I admit to not being a real well-versed suspension guy... A while back, I noticed the driver side front of my car seemed to be a bit lower than the passenger. When I upgraded my rear springs and front struts, it helped some, but still looked off-kilter. Well, lately I've been hearing this sing sound when I make a sharp right turn (like turning into a parking stall). I thought maybe it was tire rub, but I see no evidence of that, and today when I was under doing an oil change, I noticed that the ball joint is ALMOST touching the rotor! Comparing to the passenger side, I'd say there's about 3/4" difference in height. I suspect there's enough play that, on tight turns, they actually come in contact with each other - hence the scaping noise. So, how much damage have I caused in driving it like this for probably close to a year (noise just started in the last couple weeks, tho). And what do I need to have replaced? I don't really have the means to do major suspension work at home...but I have a reputable shop that I can bring it to. Far as I can tell, passenger side seems fine. Car drives fine otherwise...no pulling. Thanks much! Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #1 – October 30, 2011, 08:45:40 PM guessing right off the start.. it's a broken spring. got any pics of what you are looking at. could be a bunch of problems going on down there Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #2 – October 31, 2011, 11:28:37 AM Here's some photos I took this morning before driving to work. I shouldhave taken some close-ups while it was up on the ramps yesterday, but didn't... Personally, I don't think it's a broken spring due to the height/location difference between the sides as highlighted on the photos... Driver Side: Passenger Side: Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #4 – October 31, 2011, 11:33:22 AM I just noticed looking at the photos that on the D side, the rubber (?) cap just above the ball joint is not like the P side. On P side, it's visibly compressed (normal?) Is something loose or "dropped" on the D side, perhaps? Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #5 – October 31, 2011, 11:33:31 AM So has the ball joint nut backed off on the Driver's side? The difference is above where the spindle attaches to the ball joint. Do you have two different ball joints? Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #6 – October 31, 2011, 12:51:22 PM Haven't checked that. A possibility. I believe the ball joints are the same, I have not had them replaced recently. Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #7 – October 31, 2011, 08:19:26 PM Shredder, you may be right, in which case I would NOT be driving that car around! Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #8 – October 31, 2011, 08:34:38 PM Make sure the ball joint hasn't separated before you drive it again. kinda looks like the rotor might be the only thing holding it together:dunno: Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #9 – October 31, 2011, 08:49:03 PM Quote from: bryan163;371634Make sure the ball joint hasn't separated before you drive it again. kinda looks like the rotor might be the only thing holding it together:dunno: That's my thoughts....bro-in-law's fox'stang ball joint popped and made a mess...tire into fender, lower control arm mangled and more ugliness. Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #10 – October 31, 2011, 09:08:27 PM yea, don't drive it until you replace that.... Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #11 – October 31, 2011, 10:45:27 PM Yeah, I am thinking your ball joint is broken, just looking at the difference in height. Don't drive it till you can get that fixed, or looked into. Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #12 – November 02, 2011, 01:28:03 PM Thx guys! Concerned now...it's my DD and I have to use it to get to work. Wife is going out of town for business tomorrow, so I'd have no other way to get to work other than bike 15 miles in 40 degree weather! Is there anything I can do about it myself? I'm gathering that in any case, I need to have the ball joint replaced (I'd do both sides), so I wouldn't be trying to "get out of that", but just trying to make something work temporarily. There's a shop close by the house that I can bring it to...guess I may need to take a day off tomorrow! Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #13 – November 02, 2011, 06:15:22 PM I myself, would not drive that until it got looked at Quote Selected
Suspension Issues Reply #14 – November 02, 2011, 07:51:14 PM I would even be iffy driving to a shop. Pull the a-arm and spindle or maybe tow it... And I have driven my car till the wheel literally fell off. Quote Selected
Topic: Suspension Issues (Read 2463 times)
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